Whether you are a supplier or a end user of alloys, you may face challenges when deciding between Hastelloy C-276 and nickel alloy 20 or advising customers on material selection.
This article will compare these alloys from various aspects to better enable you to make the right choice in the coming project.
HASTELLOY® C-276 alloy (UNS N10276) was the first wrought, nickel-chromium-molybdenum material to alleviate concerns over welding (by virtue of extremely low carbon and silicon contents). As such, it was widely accepted in the chemical process and associated industries, and now has a 50-year-old track record of proven performance in a vast number of corrosive chemicals.
What is Nickel Alloy 20 (UNS N08020)?
Nickel Alloy 20, also known as UNS N08020, is a low-carbon, niobium-stabilized austenitic nickel-iron-chromium alloy with added molybdenum and copper. It offers outstanding corrosion resistance in chemical environments containing phosphoric acid, nitric acid, chlorides, and sulfuric acid. Additionally, it maintains good mechanical properties at both ambient and elevated temperatures.
Hastelloy Alloy C-276 vs Nickel Alloy 20 Chemical Composition
Here’s a comparison table for the chemical composition of Hastelloy C-276 and nickel alloy 20:
Hastelloy Alloy C-276 vs Nickel Alloy 20 Corrosion Resistance
In nickel alloys, nickel itself provides excellent corrosion resistance, making both Hastelloy C-276 and nickel alloy 20 highly effective in corrosive environments.
Alloy 20 has a higher chromium content than C-276, enhancing its oxidation resistance. As a result, alloy 20 offers superior antioxidant properties compared to alloy C-276.
Hastelloy Alloy C-276 vs Nickel Alloy 20 Mechanical Behavior
Hastelloy C-276, in contrast, relies on tungsten and molybdenum for solid solution strengthening. Due to their large atomic radii, tungsten and molybdenum significantly strengthen Hastelloy C-276.
Alloy 20 has good mechanical properties at both ambient and elevated temperatures, up to approximately 930ºF (500ºC) and is readily fabricated by usual industrial processes.
Hastelloy Alloy C-276 vs Nickel Alloy 20 Physical Properties
| Alloy 20 | Hastelloy C-276 | |
|---|---|---|
| Density, g/cm³ | 8.10 | 8.89 |
| Density, lb/in.³ | 0.291 | 0.321 |
| Melting Range, °F | 2520-2600 | 2415-2500 |
| Melting Range, °C | 1385-1443 | 1323-1371 |
Hastelloy Alloy C-276 vs Nickel Alloy 20 Application
Hastelloy C-276 is ideal for marine applications. Its corrosion resistance makes it resistant to various corrosive substances in flowing seawater for a long time. However, Hastelloy C-276 also has good overall performance at high temperatures. It is very suitable for the preparation equipment of various corrosive chemicals or the reactor of various acidic substances.
Alloy 20 is used in a wide variety of applications up to temperatures of approximately 500 °C (930 °F).
Typical applications are:
- Equipment for the manufacture of sulphuric acid and for processes based on sulphuric acid
- Extraction columns in the production of amino acid and the processing of pharmaceuticals
- Production of synthetic polymers
- Equipment for food processing to protect against contamination
Hastelloy Alloy C-276 vs Nickel Alloy 20 Main Standards
Hastelloy Alloy C-276 Main Standards
Condenser and Heat Exchanger Tube: /
Seamless Pipe and Tube: ASTM B622, ASTM B983
Welded Pipe: ASTM B619
Welded Tube: ASTM B626
Fittings: ASTM B366, ASTM B462
Billet, Rod and Bar: ASTM B574
Forgings: ASTM B564, ASTM B462
Plate, Sheet, and Strip: ASTM B575
Nickel Alloy 20 Main Standards
Condenser and Heat Exchanger Tube: /
Seamless Pipe and Tube: ASTM B729, ASTM B829
Welded Pipe: ASTM B464
Welded Tube: ASTM B468, ASTM B751
Fittings: ASTM B462
Billet, Rod and Bar: ASTM B472
Forgings: ASTM B462
Plate, Sheet, and Strip: ASTM B463, ASTM B906, ASTM A240
Hastelloy Alloy C-276 vs Nickel Alloy 20 Cost
Nickel alloy 20 is typically more expensive than Hastelloy C-276 due to its slightly higher corrosion resistance and weldability.
Conclusion
Because of its higher chromium content, alloy 20 offers superior overall corrosion resistance compared to Hastelloy C-276.
When deciding between alloy 20 and Hastelloy C-276, engineers must consider both the properties of each alloy as well as how they might be applied given a particular application or environment.
Both alloys offer excellent corrosion resistance capabilities but differ slightly when it comes to their chemical composition and potential uses.
HZW manufactures cost-effective products using both alloy 20 and Hastelloy C-276. If you have specific requirements, please feel free to reach out to us.
