A Spotlight on Nickel
Nickel is a chemical element with the symbol Ni and atomic number 28. It is a silvery-white, lustrous metal with a slight golden tinge. Nickel is a ductile and malleable metal, making it easy to shape and form into various products. It is also resistant to corrosion and oxidation, making it a popular material for many industrial applications.
Properties of Nickel
Nickel is a transition metal and has a variety of properties that make it useful in various applications. Some of the key properties of nickel are:
Density: Nickel has a density of 8.9 g/cm3, making it relatively dense compared to other metals.
Melting point: The melting point of nickel is 1453°C, which makes it a useful material for high-temperature applications.
Hardness: Nickel is a relatively hard metal, making it resistant to wear and tear.
Electrical conductivity: Nickel is an excellent conductor of electricity, making it useful in the electrical industry.
Corrosion resistance: Nickel is highly resistant to corrosion and oxidation, making it ideal for use in environments where other metals would quickly deteriorate.
Uses of Nickel in Industry
Nickel has a wide range of industrial applications due to its unique properties. Some of the most common uses of nickel include:
Steel production: Nickel is often added to steel to increase its strength and resistance to corrosion. This makes it a popular material in the construction industry.
Coins: Nickel is used in the production of coins because of its resistance to corrosion and its durability.
Batteries: Nickel is used in rechargeable batteries, such as nickel-cadmium (NiCad) and nickel-metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries, due to its ability to store a large amount of energy.
Electronics: Nickel is used in electronics due to its electrical conductivity and ability to withstand high temperatures.
Plating: Nickel is often used for plating other metals to protect them from corrosion and increase their durability.
In conclusion, nickel is a versatile metal with a wide range of properties and industrial applications. Its durability, resistance to corrosion and electrical conductivity make it a popular material in many industries. As technology continues to evolve, the demand for nickel is likely to increase, making it a valuable material for many years to come.
Advent Research Materials Ltd supplies Nickel (Ni) in foil, wire, mesh and rod form. We also sell Nickel alloys in foil, sheet, wire, insulated wire and rod form.