In the present time, nickel based materials are utilized in buildings, water supply systems, food preparation, energy industry, chemical industry, transport industry, electronic parts and medical equipments.
Nickel Properties
- High melting point up to 1453oC
- Reliable oxide layer
- Resists alkalis
- Ductile
- Alloys readily act as solute and solvent
- Magnetic at room temperature
- Deposited by electroplating
- Catalytic
Applications of Nickel
- 60% of produced nickel is utilized in stainless steel
- Production of high nickel based corrosion and heat resistance alloys
- Other alloys for strength, corrosion resistance, special physical and magnetic characteristics
- Plating-Decorative and engineering application
- Batteries
- Chemicals
- Analysis
Nickel and Corrosion relation
Nickel decreases the corrosion growth rate
Nickel stabilizes the austenitic configuration
Nickel has high strength and ductility.
Benefits of Nickel in stainless steels
- Versatility
- Reliability
- Corrosion resistance
- Hygienic
- Excellent grades
- Formability
- Weldability
- Accessibility
- Several finishes
- Non-magnetic
- Long service life and high intrinsic value as scrap
- Recyclable
Considerable factors when choosing Nickel based stainless steels
There are several grades of stainless steel. Just like with any other material selection, choosing the correct grades is a balance between several factors and requirements such as:
- Corrosion resistance
- Application temperature
- Strength-influencing thickness and weight
- Mechanical characteristics
- Fabrication and welding
- Physical characteristics
- Look
- Life cycle expenses
- Accessibility
- Recyclability, influence on nature and advantages
- Extent of comfort
Nickel as an alloying agent
- Tough low alloy steels
- High strength maraging steels
- Ductile and wear resistant cast irons
- Stainless steels
- Corrosion resistant high nickel alloys
- Superalloys for gas turbine engines and shafts
- Copper-nickel alloys for marine engineering
- Magnetic and minor expansion alloys
- Shape memory alloys
- Nickel metal hydrides for storage of hydrogen
Corrosion resistant Nickel alloys
- High Nickel alloyed stainless steels
- Nickel alloys containing chromium, molybdenum and other constituents
- Oil and gas, petrochemical, chemical an power uses
- Can be utilized as lining, cladding, weld overlay
Nickel based Super alloys
- Outstanding elevated temperature strength and corrosion resistance
- Chemical plant
- Gas turbines
Improved functionality of super alloys
- Elevated combustion temperature offers higher efficiency
- Increases aircraft fuel efficiency
Nickel-titanium superelastic alloys
- Auto expanding stents
- Glass frames
- Earthquake protection in bridges
Advantage-Nickel Plating
- Electrolytic and chemical deposition
- Luster, uniformity and corrosion resistance
- Substrate for decorative coating
- Engineering coating such as for wear resistance
- Electroforming