Pure Nickel (Ni ≥ 99.0–99.9%) is a corrosion-resistant, ductile, and electrically conductive metal valued for its chemical stability, high-temperature performance, and catalytic activity. It is used both as a stand-alone engineering material and as a base metal for superalloys, batteries, plating, electronics, and chemical processing equipment.
Common Grades & Standards
| Grade / Standard | Nickel Content | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Commercially Pure Nickel | ≥ 99.0% | General engineering |
| High-Purity Nickel | ≥ 99.6% | Chemical & electrical |
| Electrolytic Nickel | ≥ 99.8% | Plating, electronics |
| Carbonyl Nickel | ≥ 99.9% | Powders, catalysts |
| ASTM B160 / B162 | Ni 200 / Ni 201 | Wrought products |
Note: Ni 201 is a low-carbon grade designed for elevated temperature service to prevent graphitization.
Chemical Composition (Nickel 200 – UNS N02200)
| Element | wt% (max) |
|---|---|
| Nickel (Ni) | 99.0 min |
| Carbon (C) | 0.15 |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.40 |
| Copper (Cu) | 0.25 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.35 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.35 |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.01 |
Key Mechanical Properties
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 380 – 550 MPa |
| Yield Strength (0.2%) | 100 – 160 MPa |
| Elongation | 30 – 45% |
| Hardness | 70 – 90 HRB |
| Fatigue Strength | Moderate |
| Impact Toughness | Excellent (cryogenic capable) |
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 8.90 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 1455 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity | ~90 W/m·K |
| Electrical Conductivity | ~22% IACS |
| Elastic Modulus | ~200 GPa |
| Thermal Expansion | ~13.3 µm/m·K |
| Magnetic Behavior | Ferromagnetic (to ~358 °C) |
Metallurgical Behavior
Crystal Structure: Face-Centered Cubic (FCC)
Strengthening by cold working (strain hardening)
Not precipitation hardenable
Excellent metallurgical stability over wide temperature ranges
Corrosion Resistance
Outstanding resistance to caustic alkalis, neutral and alkaline solutions, organic acids, and dry gases. Limited resistance to strong oxidizing acids and chloride-rich environments.
Processing & Fabrication
Excellent hot and cold workability, readily weldable by TIG, MIG, and resistance welding. Machining is moderate and requires sharp tooling.
Available Forms
Sheets, plates & foils
Bars, rods & wire
Pipes & tubes
Forgings
Powders (carbonyl nickel)
Pellets & cathodes
Sputtering targets
Applications
Chemical Processing
Caustic soda evaporators, reactors, heat exchangers
Electronics & Electrical
Battery electrodes, EMI shielding, thin films
Energy & Catalysis
Hydrogenation catalysts, fuel cells, electrolyzers
Plating
Electroplating anodes and corrosion-resistant coatings
Advantages
✔ Excellent corrosion resistance
✔ High ductility and toughness
✔ Stable at high and cryogenic temperatures
✔ Good electrical and thermal conductivity
✔ Strong base metal for superalloys
Limitations
❌ Higher material cost
❌ Lower strength than nickel alloys
❌ Limited resistance to oxidizing acids
❌ Ferromagnetic behavior may limit electronics use
Why Choose Pure Nickel?
Choose pure nickel when chemical purity, corrosion resistance, cryogenic toughness, and stable electrical performance are required.