subject: Important Properties and Applications of Nickel Alloys [print this page] Different alloys prepared from nickel differ in terms of grade, composition, shape and features and characteristics. So, you must know some important properties of these alloys to learn about their specific uses. The following discussion highlights the properties and applications of the main nickel based alloys.
Hastelloy
This is a group of over 20 alloys prepared using nickel with elements like chromium, cobalt, iron, titanium, aluminum, carbon and others. Often termed as super-alloys or high performance alloys, these alloys are highly resistant to corrosion and can withstand high temperature and high stress conditions. Their main application is in the chemical industry and pressure vessels like nuclear reactors and chemical reactors.
Chromel
One of the high nickel alloys the chromel consists of 90 percent nickel and 10 percent chromium. Some of its good properties include high electrical resistance, high melting point and high thermal conductivity that make it suitable for use in the construction of positive conductors for thermocouples.
Cupronickel
Highly resistant to corrosion, cupronickel contains 75 percent copper and 25 percent nickel. It is best used in seawater systems for making pipes, condensers and heat exchangers. High melting point and good thermal conductivity make it suitable for use in thermocouples.
Inconel
Inconel alloys are prepared by mixing nickel with chromium and other elements like iron, molybdenum, cobalt, manganese, silicon, carbon and many more. These nickel based alloys are highly resistant to oxidation and corrosion and are therefore used in environments with extreme conditions. Gas turbine blades, combustors, pressure vessels and steam generators are some of the many applications of these alloys.
Monel
Consisting mainly of nickel and copper, these nickel alloys are resistant to acids and corrosion. They find applications in marine manufacturing industry for piping and strainer baskets. Trumpets, tubas and many other musical instruments too have parts made of these alloys. Monel apparatus is used in the chemical industry to handle highly corrosive chemicals.
Besides, there are other nickel alloys, including nimonic, balco alloy, alumel, nichrome and so on. Most of these alloys have the ability to resist corrosion and hence are suitable for variety of applications.
Important Properties and Applications of Nickel Alloys
