Krominikkeli

Krominikkeli, or chromium-nickel alloy, is a family of stainless steels characterized by the combination of chromium and nickel as the principal alloying elements. The chromium content provides corrosion resistance through a passive chromium oxide layer, while nickel stabilizes the austenitic crystal structure, enhancing ductility and toughness. These alloys are typically designed to maintain good mechanical performance across a range of temperatures and environments.

Typical compositions in widely used grades include chromium around 16–26% and nickel around 6–22%, with iron as the balance; many grades also incorporate molybdenum (Mo) and other elements to improve pitting resistance and high-temperature strength. Common examples are grade 304 (Cr around 18%, Ni around 8–10%) and grade 316 (Cr around 16–18%, Ni around 10–14%, Mo around 2–3%).

These alloys are generally non-magnetic in the annealed state and offer good formability, weldability, and toughness at room and subzero temperatures. They perform well in a range of environments but can be susceptible to corrosion in highly chloride-rich conditions if improperly alloyed or protected. Sensitization can occur when exposed to certain high-temperature ranges, leading to chromium carbide precipitation and reduced corrosion resistance; stabilized grades such as 321 (titanium-stabilized) or 347 (niobium-stabilized) mitigate this issue.

Applications include kitchenware, chemical processing equipment, architectural and decorative metalwork, automotive and medical devices, and marine environments, especially where corrosion resistance is needed without sacrificing formability.

Manufacturing involves melting iron with chromium and nickel in furnaces, followed by refining, casting or hot working, solution annealing to restore austenite, and subsequent cold forming as required. Krоminikkeli denotes a versatile, corrosion-resistant alloy family central to stainless steel technology.