Nickel-Based Alloys: Material Solutions for Extreme Environments

Nickel-based alloys are critical materials used in industries where resistance to high temperatures, corrosion, and mechanical stresses is required. They play a significant role in aerospace, oil and gas, petrochemical, chemical processing, and marine engineering sectors. Understanding the differences between various nickel alloy grades ensures that engineers and material experts can choose the right material for their specific applications.

This blog will explore and compare different nickel-based alloy grades based on their EN/Wr. Numbers, ISO, UNS numbers, and common names. This detailed table will help guide your material selection process for optimal performance and durability.

Properties of Nickel-based Alloys

• High corrosion resistance, especially in harsh chemical and marine environments
• Temperature resilience, maintaining strength and oxidation resistance at elevated temperatures
• Good mechanical properties, such as toughness and fatigue resistance in high-stress applications
• Resistance to pitting and stress-corrosion cracking, which is essential in environments exposed to aggressive chemicals

Nickel-based alloys are commonly alloyed with elements such as chromium, molybdenum, iron, and copper to enhance these properties further.

Nickel-based Alloy Grades Comparison Table

Here is a detailed comparison table listing various nickel alloy grades along with their EN/Wr. Number, ISO designation, UNS number, common name, and corresponding GB (Chinese) standards.

EN/Wr. No.	ISO No.	UNS No.	Common Name	GB
2.4665	NW6002	N06002	Hastelloy X	NS322(3202)
2.4618	NW6007	N06007	Hastelloy G
2.4619	NW6958	N06058	Hastelloy W
2.4810	NW0001	N10001	Hastelloy B	NS321(3201)
2.4617	NW6065	N10665	Hastelloy B2	NS322(3202)
2.4695	NW6022	N06022	Hastelloy B3	NS3203
2.4610	NW6455	N06455	Hastelloy C4	NS335(3305)
2.4675	NW6200	N06200	Hastelloy C2000	NS3405
2.4819	NW0276	N10276	Hastelloy C276	NS334(3304)
2.4600		N10629	Alloy B4
2.4605		N06045	Alloy 59	NS3311
2.4633		N06025	Alloy 602CA
2.4816	NW6600	N06600	Inconel 600	NS312(3102)
2.4851	NW6601	N06601	Inconel 601
2.4663	NW6617	N06617	Inconel 617	NS336(3306)
2.4856	NW6625	N06625	Inconel 625	NS3309
2.4668	NW7718	N07718	Inconel 718	NS315
2.4669	NW7750	N07750	Inconel X-750
1.4876	NW8800	N08800	Incoloy 800	NS111(1101)
1.4958	NW8811	N08811	Incoloy 800HT	NS1104
2.4858	NW8825	N08825	Incoloy 825	NS142(1402)
2.4951	NW6621	N07075	Nimonic 75
2.4952	NW7090	N07090	Nimonic 90
2.4665	NW7263	N07263	Nimonic C263
2.4654	NW7101	N07001	Waspaloy
2.4061	NW2200	N02200	Nickel 200	N6, N7
2.4066	NW2201	N02201	Nickel 201	N5
2.4360	NW4400	N04400	Monel 400	NCu30
1.4539		N08904	904L	S39042

In-depth Analysis of Nickel-based Alloys

Hastelloy Series

Nickel-molybdenum-chromium alloys, such as Hastelloy C276, Hastelloy B2, and Hastelloy X, are known for their remarkable resistance to chemical corrosion, particularly in oxidizing and reducing environments. Hastelloy C276, for example, is frequently used in chemical processing industries due to its ability to withstand aggressive chemicals, including sulfuric and hydrochloric acids. On the other hand, Hastelloy X is often chosen for its high-temperature strength and oxidation resistance, making it suitable for gas turbine engines and other high-heat environments.

Inconel Series

Inconel alloys are nickel-chromium-based superalloys that are well known for their high strength and oxidation resistance at elevated temperatures. For example, Inconel 600 offers excellent oxidation and corrosion resistance in a wide range of temperatures, while Inconel 625 has high strength, excellent fatigue resistance, and outstanding performance in seawater environments. Inconel 718 is widely used in aerospace applications due to its superior creep and rupture strength at elevated temperatures.

Incoloy Series

Incoloy alloys, such as Incoloy 800 and Incoloy 825, are known for their good mechanical properties and resistance to high-temperature oxidation. Incoloy 825 stands out for its corrosion resistance in oxidizing and reducing environments, making it suitable for sulfuric acid processing, pollution control, and oil and gas extraction.

Nimonic Alloys

Nimonic alloys, such as Nimonic 75 and Nimonic 90, are nickel-chromium alloys that offer excellent high-temperature strength and resistance to oxidation. These alloys are primarily used in gas turbines, jet engines, and other high-temperature applications where extreme strength and resistance to heat are required.

Monel Series

Monel 400, a nickel-copper alloy, is well-known for its excellent corrosion resistance in seawater, hydrofluoric acid, and alkaline solutions. Monel alloys, including propeller shafts, pumps, and heat exchangers, are typically used in marine and chemical processing applications.

Nickel 200 & 201

Nickel 200 and 201 are commercially pure nickel alloys. They offer excellent corrosion resistance in neutral and alkaline solutions and have high electrical conductivity. These alloys are used in chemical production, food processing, and electrical components, where purity and corrosion resistance are paramount.

Applications

Aerospace and Aviation

Inconel alloys, such as Inconel 718 and Inconel X-750, are widely used in jet engines, gas turbines, and exhaust systems because they maintain strength and resist oxidation at high temperatures. These materials also find applications in space exploration technologies.

Oil and Gas

Nickel-based alloys, particularly the Hastelloy and Monel series, are extensively used in the oil and gas industry. Hastelloy C276 and Incoloy 825 are utilized in oil refineries, pipelines, and processing plants for their resistance to corrosion in extreme chemical environments. Monel 400 is employed in seawater environments for its high corrosion resistance in marine conditions.

Petrochemical and Chemical Processing

Nickel-based alloys, such as Hastelloy C276 and Inconel 625, are often used in petrochemical and chemical processing plants where exposure to aggressive chemicals is common. Their excellent resistance to a wide range of corrosive substances ensures long-lasting performance in heat exchangers, reactors, and storage tanks.

Marine Engineering

Monel and Inconel alloys are preferred in marine applications due to their outstanding corrosion resistance in seawater. Monel 400 is used in propeller shafts, pumps, and valves, while Inconel 625 is selected for high-strength components in offshore drilling platforms.

Conclusion

Selecting the right nickel-based alloy for your application depends on several factors, including the operating environment, temperature, and mechanical demands. This comparison table and analysis of key nickel alloys provide valuable insight into how each material performs in different settings, helping you make informed decisions.

Nickel-based alloys remain indispensable in industries where high performance under extreme conditions is crucial. By carefully evaluating your material needs, you can ensure the longevity and efficiency of your equipment, maximizing both safety and cost-effectiveness.

Feel free to contact us at [email protected] for more information on nickel alloys and how they can be applied to your specific industry needs.