304/304L (UNS S30400/S30403) is the most widely utilized “18-8” chromium-nickel austenitic stainless steel. It is an economical and versatile corrosion resistant alloy suitable for a wide range of general purpose applications.

304/304L has good resistance to atmospheric corrosion, foods and beverages and to many organic and inorganic chemicals in moderately oxidizing to moderately reducing environments. The high chromium content of the alloy provides resistance to oxidizing solutions such as nitric acid up to 55% weight and up to 176°F (80°C).
304/304L also resists moderately aggressive organic acids such as acetic. The nickel present in the alloy provides resistance to moderately reducing solutions such as pure phosphoric acid, whatever the concentration, in cold solutions and up to 10% diluted hot solutions. The alloy can also operate successfully in caustic solutions free of chlorides or Alloy 304/304L does not perform well in more highly reducing environments such as those containing chlorides and sulfuric acid.
304/304L performs well in fresh water service with low levels of chlorides (less than 100ppm). At higher chloride levels the grade is susceptible to crevice corrosion and pitting. For successful performance under these more severe conditions, higher molybdenum content is need such as 316/316L. 304/304L is not recommended for service in marine environments.
In most instances, the corrosion resistance of 304, 304L and 304H will be roughly equal in most corrosive environments. However, in environments that are sufficiently corrosive to cause intergranular corrosion of welds and heat-affected zones 304L should be used because of its low carbon content.