How do nickel sheet properties compare to stainless steel sheets?

Corrosion Resistance: Superiority of Nickel Alloys in Harsh Chemical Environments

One big benefit of nickel sheet over stainless steel is that it doesn't rust as easily, especially in harsh chemical conditions. Nickel alloys are essential in fields where corrosive substances are a constant problem because of this trait.

Chemical Industry Applications

Nickel alloys are very resistant to a wide range of corrosive media, which is very useful in the chemical processing business. Nickel-based metals stay strong even in harsh conditions, while stainless steel can rust or pit in chloride-rich environments. Because nickel sheets are resistant to both reducing and oxidizing acids, they are the best material for equipment in chemical plants like reaction tanks, heat exchangers, and pipe systems.

Marine Environments

Nickel alloys are also great for naval use because they don't rust. Seawater can be very rough on metals because it has a lot of salt in it. Some types of stainless steel can withstand corrosion in saltwater to some extent, but nickel alloys, such as Monel (a nickel-copper alloy), are very resistant to corrosion in saltwater and brine solutions. These are great for naval hardware, desalination plants, and oil and gas equipment that is used at sea.

Resistance to Stress Corrosion Cracking

Stress corrosion cracking, or SCC, is a big problem in a lot of industrial settings. Nickel metals, especially those with a lot of chromium, are better at resisting SCC than most stainless steels. In the petrochemical industry, for example, this trait is very important because the material is put under both mechanical stress and corrosive environments at the same time.

High-Temperature Performance: Nickel Alloys Retain Strength at Extreme Temperatures

In high-temperature situations, nickel sheet also works better than stainless steel. Nickel alloys are very useful in many fields because they can keep their mechanical qualities even at high temperatures.

Aerospace and Gas Turbine Applications

Nickel-based superalloys are the best material for parts that have to be exposed to high temperatures in the aerospace business. These parts include turbine blades and combustion chambers. Some high-grade stainless steels can work at relatively high temperatures, but nickel alloys can handle temperatures above 1000°C (1832°F) without losing much of their strength or ability to resist creep. This thermal stability is very important for making sure that airplane engines and commercial gas turbines work well and safely.

Heat Treatment Equipment

The heat treatment industry relies heavily on materials that can withstand repeated thermal cycling. Nickel alloys, with their excellent resistance to thermal fatigue and oxidation at high temperatures, are often used in the construction of furnace components, trays, and fixtures. Stainless steel, while suitable for some heat treatment applications, generally cannot match the performance of nickel alloys at the highest temperature ranges.

Energy Sector Applications

Materials used in power plants, especially more advanced ones like supercritical steam power plants, need to be able to handle high temperatures and pressures. Nickel alloys are often used for important parts in these systems because they don't creep as easily and keep their power at temperatures where even high-grade stainless steels would break.

Mechanical Strength: Balancing Strength and Ductility in Nickel vs. Stainless Steel

The balance between strength and ductility is very important when comparing the mechanical qualities of nickel sheet and stainless steel. Depending on their specific benefits, both materials can be used for different tasks.

Strength-to-Weight Ratio

When it comes to strength-to-weight, stainless steel usually beats pure nickel. Due to this, stainless steel is a good choice for situations where weight is important, like in the auto business. Nickel alloys, on the other hand, can be made to be very strong while still being very flexible, making them a great option in some high-performance situations.

Ductility and Formability

To be more flexible than most stainless steels, pure nickel and many nickel alloys are better. Nickel sheet is ideal for applications requiring complex geometries or deep drawing processes because of this feature, which makes it easier to form and shape. There are some businesses where nickel's better shapeability can lead to lower production costs and more design options.

Work Hardening Characteristics

Both nickel and stainless steel exhibit work hardening, a phenomenon where the material becomes stronger as it's deformed. However, the rate and extent of work hardening can differ. Austenitic stainless steels are known for their significant work hardening capability, which can be advantageous in applications requiring high strength after forming. Nickel alloys, while also capable of work hardening, often maintain better ductility even after significant deformation, allowing for more complex forming operations without the risk of cracking.

Fatigue Resistance

Fatigue resistance is very important in situations where the load changes over and over. Most of the time, nickel metals, especially those made for high-temperature uses, are better at resisting fatigue than stainless steels. In fields like aerospace, where parts are put through repeated stress cycles at different temperatures, this trait is very important.

Conclusion

Depending on the needs of the job, nickel sheet or stainless steel may be the better choice. While stainless steel is great for most uses, nickel sheets are better in places where better corrosion protection, high-temperature stability, and certain mechanical properties are needed. It is important to understand these differences in order to choose the right materials for engineering and industry uses.

Baoji Freelong New Material Technology Development Co., Ltd. provides professional advice and premium nickel sheets to businesses that need high-performance materials, especially for use in aggressive or hot settings. Zirconium, titanium, nickel, niobium, and tantalum are just a few of the advanced materials that we produce and provide at our facility in China's Titanium Valley. With a global reach that includes Australia, Korea, Germany, the US, UK, Malaysia, the Middle East, and Taiwan, among other places, we can deliver exceptional service and fulfill all of your material requirements. For personalized assistance in selecting the right material for your application, please contact us at jenny@bjfreelong.com. Let us help you find the perfect solution for your challenging material requirements.

References

1. Davis, J.R. (2000). Nickel, Cobalt, and Their Alloys. ASM International.

2. Revie, R.W., & Uhlig, H.H. (2008). Corrosion and Corrosion Control: An Introduction to Corrosion Science and Engineering. John Wiley & Sons.

3. Donachie, M.J., & Donachie, S.J. (2002). Superalloys: A Technical Guide. ASM International.

4. Lai, G.Y. (2007). High-Temperature Corrosion and Materials Applications. ASM International.

5. Bhadeshia, H., & Honeycombe, R. (2017). Steels: Microstructure and Properties. Butterworth-Heinemann.

6. Gedeon, M. (2010). Mechanical Metallurgy: Principles and Applications. CRC Press.