Considering the increase of stainless steel application for exteriors in architecture and governmental environment protection policies, the effect of acid rain exposure on the surface appearance and chromium release of colored stainless steel and uncolored substrate was investigated. Laboratory experiments were conducted by immersing stainless steel samples in an artificial acid rain solution for 1, 3, 7, 14 and 28 days exposure. The surface appearance of the samples was evaluated by color and brightness measurements and chromium release by chemical analysis of total and hexavalent chromium. The obtained results have shown that the surface appearance of the stainless steel was preserved and the chromium release was lower than the levels permitted by the Brazilian local environment protection agency for water quality in Minas Gerais State.
Colored stainless steel; surface appearance; acid rain; hexavalent chromium
