nickel-based alloy

metallurgy

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 1, 2026

Quick Summary

Nickel-based alloys are metallic materials primarily composed of nickel, often combined with other elements like copper, chromium, iron, and aluminum. These alloys are valued for their exceptional properties, including high resistance to corrosion and oxidation, and the ability to withstand a wide range of temperatures.12

Historically, alloys of nickel and copper, known as cupronickels, were used for coinage as early as 1860. A notable example is Monel metal, developed in 1905, which contains approximately 66% nickel and 31.5% copper, offering superior strength and corrosion resistance, particularly in seawater.345

Modern technology relies heavily on nickel-based alloys in industries such as chemical, petrochemical, and power generation due to their durability and performance under demanding conditions.1

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

5 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

materials science
Alloying
…classified into three major categories: nickel-based, cobalt-based, and iron-based. Nickel-based superalloys predominate in the turbine section of jet engines. Although they have little inherent resistance to oxidation at high temperatures, they gain desirable properties through the addition of cobalt, chromium, tungsten, molybdenum, titanium, aluminum, and niobium.
Read More
…classified into three major categories: nickel-based, cobalt-based, and iron-based. Nickel-based superalloys predominate in the turbine section of jet engines. Although they have little inherent resistance to oxidation at high temperatures, they gain desirable properties through the addition of cobalt, chromium, tungsten, molybdenum, titanium, aluminum, and niobium.
Read More