Applications of Nickel 201

Overview of Nickel 201

Nickel 201 is a commercially pure nickel alloy that offers excellent corrosion resistance, good mechanical properties, and high thermal and electrical conductivity. It is a versatile material used in various industries, including chemical processing, electronics, aerospace, and marine. Nickel 201 alloy is a commercially pure wrought alloy having properties similar to that of nickel 200 alloy, but with a lower carbon content to avoid embrittlement by inter-granular carbon at high temperatures. It is resistant to acids and alkalis, and dry gases at room temperature. It is also resistant to mineral acids depending on the temperature and concentration of the solution.

Alloy 201 is a wrought commercially pure Nickel with a maximum carbon level of 0.02%. This alloy provides highly ductile mechanical properties across a wide temperature range.It provides corrosion resistance in neutral to moderately reducing environments. Nickel 201 is ferromagnetic. It provides high thermal and electrical conductivity in comparison to nickel-base alloys, stainless and low alloy steels. Because of its low carbon content (0.02% max.) Nickel 201 may be considered for service above 600 °F (316 °C), where alloy 200 with higher carbon content is not recommended.

A commercially pure Nickel (typically 99.6% Nickel), Nickel 201 is essentially the same as Nickel 200, but with a lower carbon content to prevent embrittlement by inter granular carbon at temperatures over 315°C (600°F). Lower carbon content also reduces hardness, which makes it ideally suited for spinning and cold forming. It is also preferred to Nickel 200 for applications involving exposure to temperatures above 315°C (600°F).

Chemical composition of Nickel 201

Nickel Alloy 201 is the low carbon version of Nickel 200 suitable for forming by deep drawing and spinning into combustion boats and the continuous stamping of strip into electronic components. The material is selected for caustic salt evaporators above 315 deg C (600 deg F) as the extended exposure of Nickel 200 above this temperature can lead to the formation of graphite. The lower carbon content of Nickel 201 makes the material resistant to graphitization and therefore less subject to embrittlement. Pressure vessels and components can be constructed from Nickel 201 according to the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII, Division 1 for use up to 1250°F.

Nickel 201 consists of a minimum of 99.2% nickel. The high nickel content contributes to its superior corrosion resistance, making it highly resistant to a wide range of corrosive environments, including acids, alkaline solutions, and saltwater. It exhibits excellent resistance to both reducing and oxidizing conditions. The chemical composition nickel 201 alloy is outlined in the following table.

Mechanical properties of Nickel 201 at room temperature

Corrosion resistance

Alloy 201 is used principally in reducing or neutral environments. It may also be used in oxidizing environments that cause the formation of a passive film. The nickel content of this alloy renders it virtually immune to chloride stress corrosion cracking. It can also be used in fresh and many other process waters. Sulfurous atmospheres are corrosive to Nickel 201 alloys.

The extra-low carbon content of Alloy 201 gives virtual mmunity to intergranular attack above about 315 °C ( 600 °F). The presence of chlorates must be kept to a minimum, as they accelerate the rate of attack. The resistance of Alloy 201 to mineral acids varies according to temperature and concentration and whether or not the solution is aerated. Corrosion resistance is better in deaerated acid. In acid, alkaline and neutral salt solutions, Alloy 201 show good resistance, but severe attack occurs in oxidizing salt solutions. Both alloys are resistant to all dry gases at room temperature. The low-carbon alloy can be used in dry chlorine and hydrogen chloride at temperatures up to 550 °C (1020 °F).

Heat Resistance

Nickel Alloy 201 bolts are ductile and malleable, boasting outstanding heat resistance and thermal stability even at cryogenic temperatures — making them ideal for industrial applications. Nickel 201 alloys feature a lower carbon content than their higher-carbon counterparts, helping to prevent graphitization and embrittlement. Furthermore, nickel 201 exhibits exceptional corrosion resistance when exposed to alkalies and sulfuric acids with more vital base metals.

Additionally, it forms a protective passive oxide film which shields it from corrosion in both reducing and neutral atmospheres. Unfortunately, it may be vulnerable to attack when exposed to oxidizing environments.

Weldability and Fabrication

As a pure nickel alloy, Nickel 201 is widely used in high-temperature applications where strength and corrosion resistance are paramount. It also makes an ideal choice for cold-formed items due to its lower carbon content that prevents embrittlement due to intergranular carbon at higher temperatures.

Nickel 201 is a commercially pure nickel alloy that can be machined and formed using conventional methods. It particularly lends itself to spinning parts; however, for precise machining, it is recommended to use high-speed steel tools. Nickel 201 is highly resistant to many reducing chemicals and caustic alkalis, boasting excellent thermal conductivity and electrical and magnetostrictive properties. As such, it has found widespread application in the chemical, electronics, aerospace and power generation industries.

Magnetic Properties

Nickel 201 alloy boast superior magnetic properties and can be utilized in devices that require magnetic actuated parts. Furthermore, their high thermal and electrical conductivity make them suitable for various environments.

These materials resist corrosive media, such as caustic alkalies and reducing acids. They have become especially popular in the chloralkali concentration process, which generates chlorine and sodium hydroxide (caustic soda). The 201 nickel alloy offer superior resistance to stress corrosion cracking, commonly observed in chloride-containing solutions. Furthermore, their low carbon content makes them more resistant to oxidizing environments.

Applications of Nickel 201

Aerospace Industry

Aerospace companies often use Nickel 201 in engine parts because of their high level of heat resistance and ability to hold up in extreme environments. Nickel 201 sheets are frequently used to produce airframes, spacecraft components, and jet engines due to their resistance to heat and corrosion.

Chemical Industry

Chemical processing equipment is often constructed using Nickel 201 plates, coils, and sheets for their chemical-resistant properties. Specific applications in this industry include pipes, reactors, and other chemical plant equipment.

Automotive Industry

Nickel 201 plates are commonly used to produce various vehicle components to enhance their appearance and corrosion resistance. Automotive manufacturers also utilize nickel sheets for electric vehicle battery production due to their high energy density.

Electrical Industry

Nickel 201 sheets and plates are frequently used in battery components and electronic connectors because of their good electrical conductivity. The material’s magnetic properties also make it a suitable option for magnetic storage devices such as hard drives.

Medical Industry

Nickel’s corrosion-resistant and biocompatible properties make it useful in fabricating surgical implants and equipment. Nickel 201alloys are particularly popular in dental wires, stents, and other medical devices.