Excellent Corrosion Resistance of Nickel 200
Nickel 200 is a commercially pure wrought nickel alloy (UNS N02200) known for its outstanding resistance to a wide range of corrosive environments. It offers excellent resistance to alkalis, especially caustic soda, and performs well in neutral and reducing media. Its corrosion resistance, coupled with mechanical strength and high thermal/electrical conductivity, makes it ideal for chemical, electronics, and marine industries.
What is Nickel 200?
Nickel 200 is a 99.6% pure nickel alloy with excellent mechanical properties and superior corrosion resistance in reducing environments. It is non-magnetic in the annealed condition and retains toughness even at cryogenic temperatures. It is primarily used in environments that require high resistance to caustic alkalis and minimal contamination by metallic ions.
Nickel 200 Equivalent Grades
| Standard | Grade |
| UNS | N02200 |
| ASTM / ASME | B160, B162, B163, B366, B564 |
| DIN / EN | 2.4066 |
| ISO | Ni99.2 |
| JIS | NW 2200 |
| BS | NA11 |
Nickel 200 Chemical Composition
| Element | Content (%) |
| Nickel (Ni) | ≥ 99.0 (typically 99.6) |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.4 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 0.35 |
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.15 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.35 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.01 |
| Copper (Cu) | ≤ 0.25 |
Nickel 200 Mechanical Properties (Annealed, room temperature)
| Property | Value |
| Tensile Strength | 380 – 550 MPa (55 – 80 ksi) |
| Yield Strength (0.2% offset) | ≥ 105 MPa (15 ksi) |
| Elongation | ≥ 40% |
| Hardness (Rockwell B) | ~RB 60–70 |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 200 GPa (29 x 10⁶ psi) |
Nickel 200 Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
| Density | 8.89 g/cm³ (0.321 lb/in³) |
| Melting Point | 1435–1446°C (2615–2635°F) |
| Thermal Conductivity | 59.5 W/m·K at 20°C |
| Electrical Resistivity | 0.103 µΩ·m at 20°C |
| Specific Heat Capacity | 0.444 J/g·K |
| Magnetic Permeability | ~1.0005 (non-magnetic when annealed) |
| Coefficient of Expansion | 13.3 µm/m·K (20–100°C) |
Applications of Nickel 200
- Chemical Processing: For caustic handling systems and heat exchangers.
- Food & Beverage: Equipment where metal contamination must be minimal.
- Electronics: Battery terminals, lead wires, and anodes.
- Marine & Offshore: Components exposed to seawater and brine.
- Aerospace: Fuel and hydraulic tubing in high-purity systems.
- Medical Devices: Used in surgical and diagnostic equipment.
Advantages of Nickel 200
- Exceptional resistance to caustic alkalis (like sodium hydroxide).
- High thermal and electrical conductivity.
- Non-magnetic in annealed condition.
- Excellent toughness even at cryogenic temperatures.
- Low gas content and good weldability.
Limitations of Nickel 200
- Not suitable for oxidizing acids like nitric acid.
- Prone to graphitization above 315°C (600°F), which limits high-temperature usage.
- Relatively soft in annealed condition, may not suit high-load applications.
- Higher cost compared to stainless steel alternatives.
- Limited corrosion resistance in oxidizing salt solutions or sulfur-rich environments.
How is Nickel 200 Manufactured?
- Raw Material Melting
High-purity nickel and trace elements are melted in electric or vacuum induction furnaces. - Casting
The molten metal is cast into ingots or billets. - Hot Working
Ingots are hot-rolled, forged, or extruded at 1000–1200°C into plates, bars, rods, or tubes. - Annealing
Material is annealed around 700–900°C to soften the structure and improve formability. - Cold Working
Final shaping through cold rolling or drawing enhances dimensional precision and mechanical properties. - Quality Control & Inspection
To meet standards, final products undergo mechanical, chemical, and corrosion resistance testing.
Nickel 200 vs Nickel 201
| Property | Nickel 200 | Nickel 201 |
| Carbon Content | ≤ 0.15% | ≤ 0.02% |
| High Temperature Use | Limited (risk of graphitization) | Better suited (low carbon resists graphitization) |
| Electrical Conductivity | Slightly higher | Slightly lower |
| Mechanical Strength | Slightly stronger | Slightly softer |
| Preferred For | General use, caustic resistance | Applications ≥ 315°C (600°F) |
Choose Nickel 201 for higher-temperature environments, and Nickel 200 for stronger mechanical needs below 315°C.
Summary
This article introduces Nickel 200, explains the alloy, and discusses its composition, properties, and applications. For more information about Nickel 200, please get in touch with an MT.BOLTS representative.
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