Ultimate Guide to Hastelloy C276 (UNS N10276)

 
Material: Hastelloy C276 | UNS N10276 | W.Nr. 2.4819 | NiCr15Mo15Fe6W4

Hastelloy C276 is a nickel-molybdenum-chromium-tungsten alloy widely regarded as the most versatile corrosion-resistant alloy available. It resists hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, wet chlorine gas, hypochlorite, formic acid, and chloride-containing reducing media across a temperature range from cryogenic to over 1000 °C. Originally developed by Haynes International as an improvement over the original Hastelloy C (which suffered weld HAZ corrosion due to carbide precipitation), C276's low carbon and low silicon content solved the weld decay problem and made it the benchmark alloy for chemical process equipment worldwide.

This Hub page is the central knowledge resource in the JN Alloy Hastelloy C276 content cluster. It consolidates the essential technical data—composition, properties, corrosion resistance, welding, machining, standards, and applications—and links to 20 in-depth supporting articles that expand each topic for engineers, procurement teams, and material specifiers. Use the navigation below to jump to any section.

Jump to section: What Is C276 | Composition | Mechanical Properties | Corrosion Resistance | Temperature Limits | Welding | Machining | Product Forms | Applications | vs Other Alloys | Equivalent Grades | Buying Guide | FAQ | 20-Article Content Plan | Internal Linking Strategy

Hastelloy C276 at a Glance

UNS Designation N10276 Melting Range 1323–1371 °C
Werkstoff Nr. 2.4819 Density 8.89 g/cm³
Nickel Bal. (57% min) Tensile Strength 690 MPa min
Molybdenum 15.0–17.0% Yield Strength 283 MPa min
Chromium 14.5–16.5% Elongation 40% min
Tungsten 3.0–4.5% PREN (approx) 65–70
Iron 4.0–7.0% Max Service Temp ~1040 °C (oxidizing)
Magnetic? Non-magnetic Filler Metal ERNiCrMo-4

What Is Hastelloy C276?

Hastelloy C276 is a nickel-molybdenum-chromium-tungsten superalloy engineered for universal severe-corrosion service. It is the go-to material when no stainless steel, duplex, or even Alloy 20 can survive the combined attack of reducing acids, oxidizing acids, and chlorides at moderate to high temperatures.

The original Hastelloy C (introduced in the 1930s) combined nickel, molybdenum, and chromium for broad acid resistance but suffered a critical flaw: carbide precipitation in the weld heat-affected zone (HAZ) created intergranular corrosion paths that led to premature equipment failure. Haynes International spent two decades refining the chemistry and released C276 in the 1960s with carbon reduced to ≤ 0.01% and silicon to ≤ 0.08%, virtually eliminating the sensitization problem and making C276 weldable in the as-welded condition without post-weld solution annealing.

The key to C276's versatility lies in its balanced chemistry. Molybdenum provides resistance to reducing acids (HCl, H₂SO™ in deaerated conditions). Chromium provides resistance to oxidizing media (nitric acid, wet chlorine, ferric ions). Tungsten adds solid-solution strengthening and enhances resistance in localized corrosion. Few alloys combine all three elements at these levels, which is why C276 handles mixed-acid and chloride environments.

For a deeper dive, see the dedicated article: What Is Hastelloy C276?

 

Hastelloy C276 Chemical Composition

C276's composition is dominated by nickel with 15–17% molybdenum, 14.5–16.5% chromium, 3–4.5% tungsten, and 4–7% iron—deliberately low in carbon (≤0.01%) and silicon (≤0.08%) to prevent weld HAZ precipitation.

 

 Element  Spec Range   Nominal   Metallurgical Role
Nickel (Ni) Bal. (57 min) ~61% Matrix; SCC resistance; ductility
Molybdenum (Mo) 15.0–17.0% 16% Reducing acid resistance; pitting resistance
Chromium (Cr) 14.5–16.5% 15.5% Oxidizing acid passivation
Iron (Fe) 4.0–7.0% 5.5% Cost control; matrix stability
Tungsten (W) 3.0–4.5% 3.75% Solid-solution strengthening; crevice resistance
Cobalt (Co) ≤ 2.5% 1.0% Impurity control
Manganese (Mn) ≤ 1.0% 0.5% Deoxidation
Carbon (C) ≤ 0.01% 0.005% Low carbon prevents carbide precipitation (key to weldability)
Silicon (Si) ≤ 0.08% 0.03% Low silicon prevents intermetallic precipitation
Vanadium (V) ≤ 0.35% 0.15% Micro-alloying
Phosphorus (P) ≤ 0.04% 0.01% Impurity control
Sulfur (S) ≤ 0.03% 0.005% Impurity control

 

The ultra-low carbon and silicon are what distinguish C276 from the original Hastelloy C and make it the weldable, as-deposited corrosion-resistant alloy used today. See the full breakdown in Hastelloy C276 Chemical Composition.

 

Hastelloy C276 Mechanical Properties

C276 offers high strength (690 MPa UTS, 283 MPa yield) with excellent ductility (40% elongation) at room temperature, and retains useful strength to 650 °C. It remains tough at cryogenic temperatures, qualifying it for LNG and cryogenic acid service.

 

Property Value Notes
Tensile Strength (min) 690 MPa (100 ksi) Solution-annealed, room temp
Yield Strength (min, 0.2% offset) 283 MPa (41 ksi) High for a solid-solution alloy
Elongation (min) 40% Excellent ductility
Hardness (Brinell) ~ 210 HB Annealed
Elastic Modulus (20°C) 205 GPa Comparable to nickel alloys
Charpy Impact (RT) > 250 J Very tough; no ductile-brittle transition
Charpy Impact (-196°C) > 100 J Cryogenic-qualified

 

For elevated-temperature tensile data and creep rupture curves, see Hastelloy C276 Mechanical Properties.

 

Hastelloy C276 Corrosion Resistance

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C276 is the benchmark alloy for uniform corrosion in mixed oxidizing and reducing acid environments. It resists hydrochloric acid at all concentrations up to the boiling point (dilute), sulfuric acid up to 50% at boiling, wet chlorine gas, hypochlorite, organic acids, and chloride pitting (PREN ~65–70). 

 

It is not indestructible—it can be attacked by very hot concentrated HCl, ferric chloride at high temperature, and strongly oxidizing nitric acid above 40%—but it covers a broader corrosion envelope than any other single alloy.

 

Key Corrosion Performance Data

 
Media Concentration Temp Corrosion Rate Rating
Hydrochloric acid 10% Boiling 0.08 mm/yr Excellent
Hydrochloric acid 37% 60°C 0.15 mm/yr Good
Sulfuric acid 50% Boiling 0.20 mm/yr Good
Sulfuric acid 98% 70°C 0.50 mm/yr Marginal
Wet chlorine gas Saturated 80°C < 0.02 mm/yr Excellent
Ferric chloride 10% + 6% FeCl₃ 50°C 0.00 mm/yr (no pitting) Excellent
Formic acid 88% Boiling 0.05 mm/yr Excellent
Nitric acid 65% Boiling 5.5 mm/yr Poor (not recommended)

 

The PREN of ~65–70 places C276 far above 316L (23–25), Alloy 20 (25–28), 904L (35), and Inconel 625 (48–52), making it effectively immune to chloride pitting in nearly all practical service conditions. For full isocorrosion curves and mechanism analysis, see Hastelloy C276 Corrosion Resistance.

 

Hastelloy C276 Temperature Limits

C276 is suitable for continuous service up to ~1040 °C in oxidizing atmospheres and for sustained stressed service up to ~760 °C. Above this range, carbide and intermetallic precipitation (mu phase) reduce corrosion resistance and ductility. At the cold end, the alloy remains tough to -196 °C with Charpy impact energy above 100 J.

 

Temperature Range Performance Application Examples
-196 to 0°C Full toughness retained; no ductile-brittle transition LNG exchangers, cryogenic acid service
0 to 200°C Peak corrosion resistance; design envelope for most acid service Chemical reactors, FGD scrubbers
200 to 650°C Excellent; no phase instability Heat exchangers, superheater supports
650 to 760°C Good; monitor for long-term mu-phase precipitation Furnace internals, reformer components
760 to 1040°C Marginal; oxidation resistance good but intermetallics form Short-term / intermittent only
> 1040°C Not recommended; rapid scaling and creep None

 

For detailed oxidation rate data and creep rupture curves, see Hastelloy C276 Temperature Limits.

 

Hastelloy C276 Welding Guide

C276 is readily welded with GTAW, GMAW, and SMAW using matching ERNiCrMo-4 filler metal. The low-carbon chemistry prevents weld HAZ sensitization, so no post-weld solution annealing is required for corrosion performance. Control heat input (0.5–1.5 kJ/mm) and interpass temperature (≤150°C) to avoid microfissuring.

 

Process Application Filler Metal Shielding Gas
GTAW (TIG) Tubesheet, thin-wall pipe, precision ERNiCrMo-4 Argon (Ar + 2-5% H₂ optional)
GMAW (MIG) Medium plate, shop fabrication ERNiCrMo-4 Ar + 2% CO₂ or Ar + He
SMAW (Stick) Field welding, repair ENiCrMo-4 None (flux-covered)
SAW Heavy plate, structural ERNiCrMo-4 + neutral flux Flux + Ar

 

Key welding parameters: heat input 0.5–1.5 kJ/mm; interpass ≤ 150°C; stringer beads preferred over weave; argon ID purge mandatory for pipe root; no preheat required; no PWHT required for corrosion performance (may be specified for stress relief in sour service per NACE). Full procedure details in Hastelloy C276 Welding Guide.

Hastelloy C276 Machining Tips
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C276 machines like all high-nickel alloys—it work-hardens rapidly, generates high cutting forces, and tends to weld to the tool (built-up edge). Use sharp carbide inserts, low surface speeds (30–60 m/min turning), positive feed, flood coolant, and rigid setups. Never let the tool "rub" without cutting—it will work-harden the surface and destroy the next pass.

 

Operation Speed (m/min) Feed (mm/rev) Tooling
Turning (rough) 30–45 0.25–0.40 Coated carbide, C-grade
Turning (finish) 45–60 0.10–0.20 Coated carbide, positive rake
Drilling 10–20 0.05–0.15 TiAlN-coated HSS or carbide
Milling 25–40 0.03–0.08/tooth Carbide end mill, coated
Tapping 5–10 Spiral-flute, lubricant essential

 

For detailed machining strategies and troubleshooting, see Hastelloy C276 Machining Tips.

Hastelloy C276 Product Forms, Standards & Sizes

JN Alloy supplies the full range of C276 products—seamless and welded pipe/tube, plate/sheet/strip, bars, forgings, fittings, and flanges—to ASTM B619/B622/B626/B564/B366 with ASME code-stamped equivalents.

 

Product Form ASTM Standard ASME Size Range
Seamless Pipe & Tube ASTM B622 SB-622 OD 6–324 mm, WT 1–25 mm
Welded Pipe (ERW) ASTM B619 SB-619 OD 21–610 mm, WT 1.5–12 mm
Welded Tube ASTM B626 SB-626 OD 6–152 mm, WT 0.5–6 mm
Plate, Sheet, Strip ASTM B575 SB-575 Thickness 0.5–80 mm
Round Bars ASTM B574 SB-574 Dia 6–300 mm
Forgings ASTM B564 SB-564 Up to 2000 kg/piece
Welded Fittings ASTM B366 SB-366 1/2"–48", Sch 10S–80S
Flanges ASTM B564 / ASME B16.5 SB-564 1/2"–24", 150#–2500#

 

For full standard references, see ASTM Standards for Hastelloy C276. For product inquiries, visit the Hastelloy C276 product page.

Hastelloy C276 Applications & Industries

C276 is deployed in six major industrial sectors where the combination of strong acids, chlorides, and elevated temperatures defeats every stainless and most nickel alloys. The dominant users are chemical processing, FGD/power, pulp & paper, pharmaceutical, marine/offshore, and waste-to-energy.

 

Industry Typical Equipment Why C276
Chemical processing Reactors, heat exchangers, columns, piping Mixed acid + chloride universal resistance
FGD / power Scrubber vessels, inlet ducts, mist eliminators, dampers SO₂ + HCl + HF at 60–150°C
Pulp & paper Bleach plant washers, digester internals, ClO₂ piping Chlorine dioxide, caustic cycling
Pharmaceutical API reactors, crystallizers, drying equipment Acid purity, product contamination prevention
Marine / offshore Seawater coolers, pump shafts, fasteners Seawater pitting and crevice resistance
Waste-to-energy Boiler tube cladding, scrubber internals HCl + SO₂ + high temperature in flue gas

 

For detailed case studies, see Common Applications of Hastelloy C276 and the industry-specific articles: Chemical PlantsAcid ServiceFGD SystemsPulp & Paper.

Hastelloy C276 vs Other Alloys

C276 is the premium choice when corrosion resistance is the overriding factor and cost is secondary. It outperforms Inconel 625 in reducing acids (HCl), outperforms Alloy 20 in mixed chloride/acid service, and vastly outperforms 904L and 825 across the board. It is typically 30–50% more expensive than 625 and 3–4× the cost of 904L, so it should be specified only where its unique corrosion envelope is actually needed.

 

Criterion C276 Inconel 625 Alloy 20 904L Incoloy 825
HCl Resistance Excellent Moderate Poor Poor Poor
H₂SO™ Resistance Excellent Good Excellent Good Good
Chloride SCC Immune Immune Immune Good Good
PREN 65–70 48–52 25–28 35 28–30
Max Temp (oxidizing) 1040°C 980°C 500°C 400°C 540°C
Relative Cost (vs 316L=1) 4–5× 2.5–3× 2.5×
Weldability Moderate Good Good Good Good
Best Application Universal severe corrosion Chloride + sour gas Sulfuric acid Phosphoric acid Sour gas, acid

 

For head-to-head analysis, see the comparison articles: C276 vs Inconel 625C276 vs Alloy 20C276 vs 904LC276 vs Incoloy 825.

 

Hastelloy C276 Equivalent Grades

Standard Designation
UNS (USA) N10276
DIN / W.Nr. (Germany) 2.4819 / NiMo16Cr15W (DIN 17740)
EN (Europe) NiMo16Cr15W
AFNOR (France) NC17D
BS (UK)
JIS (Japan) NW 0276
GB (China) NS 334
ISO NiMo16Cr15W
Commercial Names Hastelloy C276 / Nickelvac HC-276 / Nicrofer 4819 hMoW

 

For the full cross-reference chart with all national standards, see Equivalent Grades of Hastelloy C276.

 

Hastelloy C276 Buying Guide: How to Specify & Source

A complete C276 requisition must specify the UNS designation, product form, ASTM standard, condition (solution-annealed), dimensions, testing, and documentation. Work with a qualified supplier like JN Alloy with ASME code material, full EN 10204 3.1/3.2 MTCs, and proven nickel-alloy delivery history.

 

  1. Define the service envelope: Document acids, concentrations, temperatures, pressures, chloride content, and design life.
  2. Specify UNS designation: "UNS N10276" explicitly—not just "Hastelloy C276"—to prevent substitution.
  3. Product form and standard: E.g., "Seamless pipe per ASTM B622, ASME SB-622."
  4. Dimensions: NPS or OD × wall thickness × length. Specify schedule for pipe.
  5. Condition: Solution-annealed (1095–1165°C, water quenched).
  6. Testing: Hydrostatic test per ASTM standard; PMI on every heat; intergranular corrosion per ASTM A262 Practice E; chemical analysis per OES.
  7. Documentation: EN 10204 3.1 MTC minimum; 3.2 (third-party witnessed) for code-stamped vessels.
  8. Surface finish: Pickled, polished, or electropolished as required.
  9. Compliance: NACE MR0175/ISO 15156 (sour service), ASME Section IX (welding), ASME Section VIII (pressure design) as applicable.
 

For the complete pipe selection guide, see How to Choose Hastelloy C276 Pipes. For product inquiries, visit the Hastelloy C276 product page or contact JN Alloy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hastelloy C276 used for?
Hastelloy C276 is used in chemical processing equipment, flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems, pulp and paper bleach plants, acid service piping and vessels, heat exchangers, and any environment involving hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, wet chlorine gas, or chloride-containing reducing media. It is the industry standard alloy for severe uniform corrosion in both oxidizing and reducing conditions.

What is the difference between Hastelloy C276 and Inconel 625?
Hastelloy C276 (N10276) contains 15–17% molybdenum vs 8–10% in Inconel 625 (N06625), giving it superior resistance to reducing acids like HCl. Inconel 625 has higher chromium (20–23% vs 14.5–16.5%) and is stabilized with niobium, making it better for chloride SCC resistance and sour gas service. C276 is preferred for universal severe corrosion; 625 is preferred for chloride and sour gas plus moderate cost. C276 typically costs 30–40% more than 625.

Can Hastelloy C276 be welded?
Yes. Hastelloy C276 is readily welded with GTAW, GMAW, and SMAW using ERNiCrMo-4 filler metal. The low-carbon, low-silicon chemistry of C276 was specifically designed to resist weld heat-affected zone precipitation, unlike the original C alloy. No post-weld solution annealing is required for corrosion performance. Control heat input to 0.5–1.5 kJ/mm and keep interpass temperature below 150°C.

What is the maximum temperature for Hastelloy C276?
C276 is suitable for continuous service up to approximately 1040°C in oxidizing atmospheres. For sustained stressed service, the practical limit is about 650–760°C due to carbide precipitation and potential mu phase formation above this range. In reducing acid service, temperature limits depend on acid concentration and are typically 80–120°C for concentrated HCl.

What is the PREN of Hastelloy C276?
C276 has a Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number (PREN) of approximately 65–70, calculated as %Cr + 3.3 × %Mo + 16 × %N. This is among the highest of all commercial alloys, far exceeding 316L (23–25), Alloy 20 (25–28), and even Inconel 625 (48–52). This makes C276 essentially immune to chloride pitting in most practical service conditions.

Is Hastelloy C276 magnetic?
No. Hastelloy C276 is non-magnetic in the solution-annealed condition due to its face-centered-cubic (austenitic) crystal structure. Cold working can induce a very slight increase in magnetic permeability, but it remains effectively non-magnetic for practical purposes.

For the complete FAQ with additional questions, see FAQ About Hastelloy C276.

Need Hastelloy C276 Products?​​​​​​​

JN Alloy supplies the full range of C276 pipe, tube, plate, bar, forgings, fittings, and flanges with full ASME code documentation, EN 10204 3.1/3.2 MTCs, and global delivery.

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