What Is Nickel Alloy?

Alloys are a solution of at least one material within a matrix that is made of metal. Nickel alloys are derivatives of nickel that can be used for many purposes and products, including stainless steel, tint for glass, electroplating and coins.

Identification

In many cases, an alloy can enhance certain properties of the original metal. Nickel is particularly useful for alloys, as it is very corrosion-resistant. Nickel alloys can be created both to increase nickel's strength and its anti-corrosive properties, as well as to make it more suitable for electroplating.

History

Nickel has been used since 3500 B.C. Many bronzes from that time period contain significant amounts of nickel. In ancient times, nickel ore was often mistaken for silver. in 1751, Baron Axel Cronstedt was attempting to extract copper from an ore that was called kupfernickel, but instead ended up with a white metal, which he then called nickel. In the United States, the term "nickel" was originally used to refer to an Indian cent coin that was made of a mixture of copper and nickel. In 1866, the word was used for the shield nickel, which was worth 5 cents.

Features

Nickel is silvery-white and polishes well. It is hard and ductile, which means it stretches with relative ease. While nickel is very reactive, but reacts slowly in the air at normal temperatures and pressures. Nickel is also naturally magnetic. In the presence of a magnetic field, it will actually get smaller, a property known as magnetostriction.

Types

The predominant alloy of nickel is nickel steel. Nickel steel can be created by alloying nickel and iron, which gives the iron metal increased strength. Nickel silver is another common alloy, made by combining nickel and copper and, at times, zinc. Nickel silver, while not containing any nickel, is often used as a base metal onto which real silver can be electroplated. Nickel can also be made into bronze and can be used in the formation of various heat and electrically resistant alloys.

Warning

Exposure to nickel metal and its soluble compounds should be minimized, since nickel sulfide is thought to be carcinogenic, and there is evidence that other forms of nickel are as well. Nickel carbonyl, a gas, is very toxic. In addition, sensitive individuals make be allergic to nickel that pierces their skin, causing a form of dermatitis. This is especially relevant in the case of pierced ears, which can develop areas of red and itchy skin.