Nickel Alloys An Indispensable Metal in Industries

Posted 2024-06-25 10:52:16

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Nickel based Alloys are metals that contain a substantial amount of nickel in their composition. By alloying nickel with other metals like iron, chromium, molybdenum, etc. different types of Nickel based Alloys are produced to enhance desired properties.

Common Nickel based Alloys and their Properties

Nickel-chromium alloys: Nickel-chromium alloys contain nickel and chromium in proportion ranging from 10-30% chromium. The most common nickel-chromium alloy is Nichrome which contains 80% nickel and 20% chromium. Nichrome exhibits excellent corrosion resistance, high strength and versatility in high temperature applications up to 800°C. Nickel-chromium alloys find wide use in heating elements, thin film resistors, ship propellers, nuclear reactors and heat exchangers.

Nickel-copper alloys: Nickel-copper alloys contain between 30-90% copper. The ratio of Nickel Alloys to copper is adjusted to develop different material properties. Monel alloy containing 67% nickel and 33% copper is one such alloy known for its high strength and corrosion resistance properties. It is extensively used in chemical processing equipment, marine components and splints.

Hastelloy alloys: Hastelloy refers to a family of nickel-based superalloys consisting of nickel, chromium, iron, molybdenum and other minor alloying elements. The proportion of these elements varies between different Hastelloy alloys to yield outstanding corrosion and heat resistance even at very high temperatures up to 1100°C. Hastelloy alloys are extensively used in nuclear plants, chemical processing plants and other high temperature applications.

Inconel alloys: Inconel alloys are nickel-chromium-based superalloys that may also contain iron, molybdenum and other minor alloying elements. Their excellent high temperature strength and corrosion resistance properties make them very useful in aero engines, gas turbines, heat exchangers and process equipment operating at elevated temperatures up to 1100°C. Some examples are Inconel 600, 625, 718 etc.

The exceptional ability of Nickel Alloys to withstand corrosion, oxidation and maintain high strength even at very high temperatures make them indispensable for many critical industrial applications. Continuous research worldwide helps develop newer and advanced Nickel based Alloys to push the limits and take performance of materials and technologies to new levels. Nickel based Alloys will continue playing a vital role across different industries for a long time to come.

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