What element is added to stainless steel to improve corrosion resistance?

Molybdenum is added to stainless steel to significantly enhance its corrosion resistance, particularly in harsh environments. It works by improving the steel's ability to withstand chlorides, which can be found in marine environments or certain chemical processing applications. Molybdenum also contributes to the overall strength and stability of the steel at high temperatures, making it a preferred alloying element in many stainless steel grades.

This characteristic is crucial for applications that require durable materials capable of maintaining structural integrity when exposed to corrosive elements. While nitrogen is beneficial for certain stainless steel grades and does contribute to corrosion resistance, it doesn't provide the extensive benefits that molybdenum does in terms of performance against a broader range of corrosive substances. Cobalt and zinc, while useful in other contexts, do not specifically enhance the corrosion resistance of stainless steel in the same effective manner as molybdenum does.