Reduction and removal of process oxides on stainless steel

Abstract

Oxides formed during annealing of stainless steel strip are removed with abrasive brushes, in lieu of acid or molten salt based pickling. In some embodiments, the stainless steel strip is treated with a rare earth element or a related transition metal before annealing, and then brushed after annealing to remove any oxides. The selection of brushes can impart a finished appearance to conventionally polished stainless steel.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A process for removing oxides from annealed stainless steel comprising the steps of
 a. Providing a stainless steel strip having at least one surface,   b. Annealing said stainless steel strip,   c. Removing oxides formed during said annealing step by brushing said at least one surface.   
     
     
         2 . The process of  claim 1  further comprising the step of applying a rare earth metal or related transition metal to said at least one surface before the annealing step. 
     
     
         3 . The process of  claim 1  further comprising the step of employing a finishing roll after the brushing operation that imparts an appearance similar to polished stainless steel.