Common Applications Of Nickel

Applications of Nickel
Nickel exhibits ductility, corrosion resistance and magnetic properties. It is primarily used in the iron and steel industry, in nickel-based alloys, in electroplating and in batteries. It is applied in the aircraft, radar and other military manufacturing sectors, in civil machinery manufacturing and in electroplating processes.

Iron and Steel Industry
Due to its enhanced corrosion resistance, high temperature tolerance and rust resistance, nickel is frequently employed in stainless steel and alloy steels.

Stainless Steel
Nickel consumption is highest in stainless steel. Two-thirds of primary nickel ore is allocated to stainless steel production. Nickel-containing stainless steel resists corrosion by air, steam and water. Furthermore, it resists acids, alkalis and salt. Consequently, it is widely used in the chemical, metallurgical and construction industries. Typical applications include welded containers, towers, tanks and pipelines in the petroleum and chemical industries. They are also used in the textile, light and nuclear power industries. Depending on nickel content, stainless steel is categorised as austenitic, austenitic-ferritic duplex or precipitation-hardened.

Alloyed Steel
Alloyed steel is also known as speciality steel. Due to differences in composition, the addition of nickel improves yield strength and retains ductility and toughness. Nickel-containing alloyed steel is mainly used for manufacturing acid towers, medical devices, household items, bridges, naval vessels and other components in transport and military industries.

Nickel-Based Alloys
Nickel-based alloys are high-strength materials that exhibit oxidation and corrosion resistance at high temperatures ranging from 650 to 1 000 °C. Depending on their properties, these alloys are divided into heat-resistant, corrosion-resistant, wear-resistant, precision and shape memory categories. Products include electrical stoves, irons, turbine engine discs, combustion chambers and turbine blades. They also comprise colour televisions, communication devices, watches and measuring tapes utilised in pendulum, furniture manufacturing and fine tool production. These alloys are used in aerospace, maritime, chemical, electronics, medical and energy sectors.

Galvanic Applications
Nickel plating refers to the process of applying a corrosion‐resistant nickel coating on steel and various metal substrates. Its corrosion resistance is 20% to 25% higher than that of a zinc coating. Nickel‐plated items possess a neat finish and require less frequent maintenance. The plating capacity for galvanic nickel is lower than that for galvanic zinc plating. Nickel usage accounts for approximately 10% of total nickel production.
Nickel Plating
Nickel plating offers high stability in air. The crystallisation is notably fine. It achieves a consistent polish and high hardness, thereby improving surface wear resistance. Nickel plating is used in optical instruments, coating applications, decorative and protective finishing, casting forms and electronic components.

Chemical Nickel Plating
Chemical nickel plating achieves uniform coating thickness. It does not introduce hydrogen and avoids hydrogen embrittlement. This process does not require hydrogen removal. The corrosion and oxidation resistance of electroless nickel plating is higher than that of conventional plating. Nickel can be deposited on different materials without requiring DC motor control equipment or galvanic apparatus. It undergoes heat treatment at 400 °C for variable durations. This method achieves specified levels of corrosion and wear resistance. It is particularly suitable for complex shapes requiring functional wear and corrosion resistant coatings.

Nickel Bath Types
The types of nickel plating baths mainly include the sulphate, chloride, amino sulphonic acid, citric acid salt and fluoroborate variants. Among these, the sulphate type, also known as the "Watts nickel plating solution", is most commonly employed in industry. Amino sulphonic acid and tin borate are suitable for thick nickel plating or electroforming. The citrate type is used for direct nickel plating of zinc die-cast parts. The cost of the plating bath is relatively high. Other types include dark nickel plating, bright nickel plating, nickel sulphamate, high sulphur plating, nickel sealing, satin nickel plating, high-demand nickel and nickel citrate plating.

Battery Applications
Nickel-plated metal is also employed in battery manufacturing. It is used in nickel–hydrogen, nickel–cadmium and nickel–manganese batteries. They are utilised in mobile communications, laptops, video recorders, military, defence, high-technology and other fields. More than 95% of global nickel–hydrogen batteries are produced by Chinese and Japanese companies.

Other Applications
Nickel composite materials can be used in the chemical hydrogenation of petroleum and in methane synthesis. Nickel compounds are used in the production of pigments and dyes. Very fine nickel powder serves as a catalyst in the chemical industry.