Nickel based Alloys are metallic materials that contain nickel as a primary constituent or base along with other alloying elements such as chromium, aluminum, titanium etc. The nickel forms a solid solution with the alloying elements which impart unique properties to the material. Nickel based Alloys exhibit exceptional corrosion resistance, hardness, strength and heat resistance making them suitable for a wide range of applications.
Properties of Nickel based Alloys
Corrosion Resistance
The corrosion resistance of Nickel based Alloys is attributed to the formation of a thin, self-healing passive film of nickel/chromium oxide on the surface when exposed to air. This film protects the base metal from further corrosion even when exposed to corrosive environments. Nickel based Alloys can withstand exposure to chlorides, acids, alkalis and seawater which makes them suitable for applications in chemical processing and marine industries.
Strength and Hardness
Nickel Alloys based possess high strength even at elevated temperatures without significant loss of ductility. Alloying elements like chromium and aluminum increase the strength and hardness of nickel through solid solution strengthening and precipitation hardening. Nickel based Alloys can maintain their strength beyond 1000°F/538°C and some of the superalloys can operate continuously at 2000°F/1093°C without softening or loss of strength.
Heat Resistance
Nickel has an excellent resistance to heat. It has high melting point of around 2610°F/1433°C and can withstand continuous use at temperatures approaching its melting point. Nickel based Alloys with alloying elements like chromium, aluminum or titanium were developed to significantly improve the high-temperature strength and withstand temperatures sometimes exceeding that of nickel. This high heat resistance make Nickel based Alloys suitable for applications involving high thermal stresses.
Wear Resistance
Nickel alloys with sufficient hardness and strength exhibit high resistance to wear. The self-lubricating properties of some Nickel based Alloys enable them to withstand abrasive and erosive wear in sliding contact applications. Some Nickel based Alloys containing molybdenum are often used for wear resistant applications as molybdenum imparts galling and scuffing resistance.
Magnetic Properties
Nickel is intrinsically magnetic due to its high nickel content. However, alloying nickel with other elements can impart non-magnetic as well as semi-magnetic properties. The austenitic grades of Nickel based Alloys used for corrosion resistance are naturally non-magnetic.
Applications of Nickel based Alloys
Chemical Processing Equipment
Nickel Alloys are extensively used in chemical processing equipment owing to their excellent corrosion resistance. They are used to fabricate vessels, tanks, columns, heat exchangers etc. for handling corrosive chemicals in fertilizer, pharmaceutical, petrochemical industries. Common alloys used are hastelloy, inconel and monel.
Oil and Gas Industry
Nickel based Alloys play a vital role in offshore oil rigs, refineries and LNG/LPG processing equipment due to their saltwater corrosion resistance and ability to withstand high pressures and fluctuating temperatures. They are implemented in pipelines, valves, pumps, compressors, heat exchangers. Hastelloy, inconel and Incoloy are commonly used alloys.
Aerospace Applications
Superior high-temperature mechanical properties, creep and corrosion resistance of Nickel based Alloys make them indispensable for aerospace components operating in extreme conditions. Commonly used alloys are inconel 718 and Udimet 720 for jet engines, aircraft exhaust systems and turboprop compressor blades. Monel and hastelloy are aircraft equipments.
Power Generation Industry
Inconel alloys like 600 and 625 find extensive use in steam turbines, coal gasifiers, superheaters of boilers in thermal power plants due to ability to withstand high pressures and temperatures in these equipment. They are also implemented in marine steam turbine casings and nuclear power plants as well.
Other Applications
– Marine applications – Seawater pipes, ships’ equipment, heat exchangers due to corrosion resistance.
– Medical equipment – MRI components, surgical instruments, implants.
– Food Processing – Heat exchangers, valves due to corrosion and heat resistance.
– Welding electrodes – Inconel, Monel alloys provide durable wear resistant electrodes.
The excellent balance of mechanical properties like high strength and heat resistance along with superior corrosion resistance of Nickel Alloys has led to their widespread use in high performance applications operating under severe conditions in major industries. Continuous advancements are being carried out to develop improved Nickel based Alloys for newer applications.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
About Author:
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/money-singh-590844163)
