Nickel: 5 Key Industrial Applications and Their Impact

Nickel: 5 Key Industrial Applications and Their Impact

Nickel (Ni, 58.69 u) is a lustrous, silver‑white transition metal. With a density of 8.9 g cm⁻³, a melting point of 1,455 °C and a boiling point of 2,730 °C, it combines hardness, ductility, magnetic properties and outstanding corrosion resistance. These traits make nickel indispensable across modern manufacturing and everyday products. Below are five critical uses that illustrate its value to industry and society.

Important Uses of Nickel

1. Nickel in the Steel Industry

Nickel’s resistance to corrosion, high‑temperature degradation and rust is why it is a cornerstone of both stainless and alloy steels.

Stainless Steel

Nickel constitutes the largest single metal input in stainless steel production, with about two‑thirds of global primary nickel ore dedicated to this alloy. The addition of nickel enhances corrosion resistance to atmospheric gases, steam, water, acids, alkalis and salts, making stainless steel ubiquitous in chemical processing, construction, shipbuilding and high‑performance components.

Alloy Steel

Often called special or high‑strength steels, alloy steels derive their strength, toughness and plasticity from precise nickel additions. These alloys are critical in aerospace, medical equipment, heavy machinery, automotive parts and defense systems.

2. Nickel‑Based Alloys

Nickel‑rich alloys provide high strength and resistance to oxidation or corrosion at temperatures between 650 °C and 1,000 °C. They are subdivided into heat‑resistant, corrosion‑resistant, wear‑resistant, precision and shape‑memory variants.

Applications span aviation (turbine disks, combustion chambers), marine engineering, chemical plants, electronics, medical devices and renewable energy infrastructure. Typical products include electric stoves, irons, turbine blades, TV sets and communication gear.

3. Nickel in Electroplating

Nickel electroplating deposits a durable, corrosion‑resistant finish on steel and other metals. It outperforms zinc plating by 20 % to 25 % in corrosion resistance and offers a clean, aesthetically pleasing surface.

Nickel plating accounts for roughly 10 % of total nickel output. It is divided into:

Electroplated Nickel

Provides a fine‑grained, highly stable coating that improves wear resistance. Commonly used for optical components, decorative fixtures and precision parts.

Electroless Nickel

Delivers excellent thickness uniformity, eliminates hydrogen embrittlement and offers superior corrosion and high‑temperature oxidation resistance. Ideal for complex shapes requiring uniform protection.

4. Nickel in Batteries

Nickel is central to several battery chemistries, notably nickel‑hydrogen, nickel‑chromium and nickel‑manganese cells. The fastest‑growing segment is the MHx‑Ni battery, which offers a 30 % larger energy reserve than nickel‑cadmium, is lighter, and enjoys a longer service life.

MHx‑Ni batteries power mobile communications, laptops, portable recorders, military equipment and are increasingly adopted in electric vehicles.

Uses of Nickel

5. Nickel as a Catalyst

Fine nickel powders serve as effective heterogeneous catalysts in the chemical industry, especially for hydrogenation processes. The first documented use of nickel alloy catalysts in vegetable oil hydrogenation was pioneered by American engineer Maury Rainey.

Conclusion

Nickel’s versatile properties drive critical technologies across multiple sectors. For deeper insights into refractory metals and advanced alloy solutions, visit ARM, a global leader in refractory metal manufacturing.

ARM, headquartered in Lake Forest, California, supplies high‑quality tungsten, molybdenum, tantalum, rhenium, titanium, and zirconium at competitive prices.