subject: Nickel Alloys [print this page] Nickel is a metal that is used widely in its pure form as well as in Alloys with other metals. Being a versatile element, Nickel alloys well with most other metals. Nickel combines well with iron and chromium but forms the best alloy with copper. Nickel Alloys, thus, form one of the best elements for a wide range of applications.
Properties Of Nickel Alloys:
Nickel Alloys have a resistance towards corrosion and surface abrasion. Because of this property, Nickel Alloys are used in industries where corrosion of a material could harm entire products. Nickel Alloys are also capable of resisting corrosion in extreme temperature conditions and in sea water.
Nickel Alloys are so hard and strong that they do not crack even in temperature as high as 1100 degree Fahrenheit.
Nickel Alloys when added with Manganese and Silicon, increase pressure tightness and castability of the alloy.
Iron-Nickel Alloys have low expansion characteristics due to a fine balance between thermal expansion and magnetostrictive changes with temperature.
Nickel-Beryllium-Carbon Alloys have high wear resistance and high thermal conductivity.
Nickel-Titanium Alloys have sharp memory characteristics.
Nickel-Copper Alloys can only be hardened by cold water.
Nickel-Copper Alloys have a good weldability.
Nickel-Copper Alloys are also used in manufacturing Chemical Processing Equipment.
The addition of Molybdenum in the Nickel Alloys increases the resistance of the alloy to non oxidizing acids.
Nickel Alloys have good resistance to Caustic Alkalis up to the molten state.
Nickel Alloys are resistant to Mineral Acids up to a certain temperature.
Applications of Nickel Alloys:
Nickel-Copper Alloys are used in sea water condenser systems and in desalination plants as this Alloy is highly resistant to sea water corrosion.
Nickel-Copper Alloys are also used in brake and hydraulic suspension systems and in cooling systems of vehicles.
Nickel-Copper Alloys are an important component in the manufacturing of medals and coins.
Nickel-Copper Alloys are also used in high precision resistors because of their high electrical resistivity.
Nickel Alloys are used in the manufacturing and handling of Sodium Hydroxide, especially at temperatures of more than 300 degree Celsius.
Nickel-Alloys are also used in the manufacturing of Viscose Rayon, which is used in making soaps.
Nickel-Alloys are often brought to use in the manufacturing of Vinyl Chloride Monomer.
Nickel Alloys are one of the most widely used Alloys, in one form or the other. Their many characteristics make them best suited for almost all technical applications.
