Nickelmetal

Nickel metal is a silvery-white, hard, ductile transition metal with the symbol Ni and atomic number 28. It is one of the relatively few ferromagnetic elements at room temperature and exhibits high corrosion resistance, maintaining strength at elevated temperatures. Nickel occurs naturally in various minerals and is widely alloyed to improve properties such as hardness, toughness, and magnetic behavior.

Natural occurrence and production: Nickel is mined from sulfide and oxide (laterite) deposits. Important ores include pentlandite and lateritic nickel ore. Major producing regions include Canada, Russia, Australia, Indonesia, and Norway. The refining process typically involves smelting to produce a nickel matte, followed by refining and electrolytic purification to high-purity nickel metal. Byproducts from nickel mining and refining can include copper, cobalt, and platinum-group elements.

Properties: Nickel has an atomic weight of approximately 58.7, a density around 8.90 g/cm3, a melting point near 1,455 C, and a boiling point around 2,913 C. It remains ferromagnetic up to the Curie temperature of about 358 C. Natural nickel comprises several stable isotopes, with Ni-58, Ni-60, Ni-61, Ni-62, and Ni-64 being the most abundant. The metal is highly ductile and forms a wide range of alloys and coatings.

Uses: The principal use is in stainless steel and other nickel-containing alloys, which rely on nickel for corrosion resistance and mechanical properties. Nickel is also used in plating, electroforming, catalysts, and as a component in certain batteries, including nickel-based chemistries for rechargeable cells. Nickel-containing superalloys are critical in aerospace and power generation.

History and safety: Nickel was isolated as a metal in the 18th century by Axel Fredrik Cronstedt, who named the ore kupfernickel or “devil’s copper.” Occupational exposure to nickel compounds can cause allergic reactions and respiratory hazards; nickel carbonyl is highly toxic. Recycling of scrap nickel is economically and environmentally important.