Abstract

World nickel reserves and nickel production and consumption are reviewed. The types of nickel ores that can be economically mined and the extraction and refining processes used to obtain commercial nickel products are described, as are the forms, characteristics, and uses of these products. The physical constants for nickel and the nominal chemistries and properties of a range of cast and wrought nickel alloys and superalloys are listed. The development paths for wrought nickel alloys are given. Nickel is a carcinogen. Hypersensitivity to nickel is common.

Alloying copper, chromium, iron, molybdenum, and other elements with nickel produces a range of corrosion- and heat-resistant materials strengthened by various means. These alloys can operate from cryogenic conditions to temperatures >1000°C. Nickel containing oxide-dispersion-strengthened alloys, nickel–aluminide intermetallics, and advanced nickel-matrix composites are presented.