Supreme Steels

Hastelloy C276 Superalloy (UNS N10276)

Hastelloy C276 (ASTM B574, 2.4819, AMS 5750)

Hastelloy C276 is a nickel-molybdenum-chromium alloy with tungsten. It fights corrosion in many tough places. The nickel and molybdenum make it strong against pitting and crevice corrosion. The chromium helps it stand up to oxidizing agents. This mix makes it useful in chemical plants, marine jobs, and industrial work. Big Hastelloy C276 makers and suppliers, like Supreme Engineering Limited, lead the market in making this strong metal.
The alloy has low carbon, which stops carbide buildup when welded. This keeps its corrosion resistance even after joining. It also stops grain buildup in welded spots, so it stays tough. That is why it works well in chemical process work, even when welded. Of all the Hastelloy types, C276 is the most used. It gives great strength, heat stability, and corrosion safety. This makes it a top pick for modern engineering and industrial use.

Features of Hastelloy C276:

Performance Profile:

1. Outstanding Corrosion Resistance

Hastelloy C276 resists many harsh chemicals. It performs well in both oxidizing and reducing conditions. Nickel and molybdenum protect against pitting and crevice corrosion. Chromium adds strength against oxidizing agents. This balance makes the alloy ideal for aggressive environments.

2. Excellent Resistance in Chemical Processing

The alloy works well in chemical plants and refineries. It resists strong acids like hydrochloric, sulfuric, and phosphoric acid. It also stands strong against chlorine gas, hypochlorite, and chlorine dioxide. This makes it perfect for reactors, heat exchangers, and scrubbers.

3. High Mechanical Strength

Hastelloy C276 stays strong under stress and heat. It keeps good toughness and ductility even at high pressure. It does not crack or deform easily. This strength makes it reliable for pressure vessels and pipelines.

4. Superior Weldability and Fabrication

The alloy is easy to weld and shape. It can be welded by TIG, MIG, or arc methods. It forms little carbide during welding, keeping its corrosion resistance intact. It can be rolled, bent, or pressed into many forms without losing quality.

5. Thermal Stability and Oxidation Resistance

Hastelloy C276 performs well under high heat. It resists oxidation and scaling at high temperatures. It stays stable even when conditions change quickly. This makes it ideal for hot and corrosive systems.

6. Long Service Life and Low Maintenance

The alloy lasts long and needs little care. Its corrosion resistance cuts down wear and tear. This helps reduce plant downtime and repair costs. It gives steady performance for many years.

7. Proven Use Across Industries

Hastelloy C276 is used in chemical, marine, and power industries. It is also found in wastewater treatment and pollution control plants. It is trusted for pipes, fittings, heat exchangers, and pressure vessels. Its performance makes it a dependable choice for extreme environments.

Common Applications

Hastelloy C276 is used in many industries that face strong chemicals and heat. It works well in both oxidizing and reducing conditions. Below are the main uses of this alloy.

1. Chemical Processing Industry

Hastelloy C276 is common in chemical plants. It is used to make reactors, heat exchangers, scrubbers, and evaporators. It handles acids like hydrochloric, sulfuric, and phosphoric acid. The alloy also resists chlorine and other harsh chemicals.

2. Pollution Control Systems

This alloy is used in air and water treatment plants. It works well in stack liners, scrubbers, and ducts that carry hot gases. It stands strong against acid fumes and chemical vapors. Hastelloy C276 helps extend equipment life in flue gas systems.

3. Marine and Offshore Engineering

Hastelloy C276 performs well in seawater and salty air. It is used in heat exchangers, pumps, and pipelines near the ocean. The alloy resists pitting and crevice corrosion caused by seawater.

4. Pulp and Paper Industry

In paper plants, Hastelloy C276 is used in bleach systems and chemical recovery units. It resists chlorine dioxide and sodium hypochlorite. This helps reduce rust and keeps machines clean.

5. Power Generation

Power plants use Hastelloy C276 in boilers, scrubbers, and cooling systems. It handles acidic steam and hot gases. The alloy stays strong under high pressure and temperature.

6. Pharmaceutical and Food Processing

This alloy is used in mixers, tanks, and pipes. It resists cleaning chemicals and keeps surfaces smooth. It helps maintain hygiene and prevents contamination.

7. Waste Treatment and Environmental Systems

Hastelloy C276 is ideal for waste plants. It resists acid waste, chlorine gas, and chemical effluents. It reduces wear and extends equipment life in harsh environments.

8. Aerospace and Defense

In aerospace, Hastelloy C276 is used in engines and exhaust ducts. It resists high heat and oxidation. The alloy ensures safe and stable performance in extreme conditions.
Hastelloy C276 is a trusted material for harsh working conditions. It offers strength, safety, and long service life across many industries.

Specifications:

Chemical Composition (WT %):

Element Symbol Weight % (Typical Range) Function / Role
Nickel Ni Balance (≈ 57%) Provides overall corrosion resistance and strength.
Molybdenum Mo 15.0 – 17.0% Improves resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion.
Chromium Cr 14.5 – 16.5% Enhances oxidation and corrosion resistance.
Iron Fe 4.0 – 7.0% Present as an impurity; contributes to structural stability.
Tungsten W 3.0 – 4.5% Adds resistance to strong oxidizing environments.
Cobalt Co ≤ 2.5% Minor strengthening element.
Manganese Mn ≤ 1.0% Helps improve hot-working properties.
Vanadium V ≤ 0.35% Increases hardness and wear resistance.
Carbon C ≤ 0.01% Low carbon prevents carbide precipitation during welding.
Silicon Si ≤ 0.08% Controlled for improved oxidation resistance.
Phosphorus P ≤ 0.04% Kept low to avoid brittleness.
Sulfur S ≤ 0.03% Limited to prevent hot cracking and corrosion.

Physical Properties:

Property Metric (SI Units) Imperial (US Units) Description / Notes
Density 8.89 g/cm³ 0.321 lb/in³ Indicates high strength and stability under mechanical and thermal stress.
Melting Point 1325–1370 °C 2417–2498 °F Shows strong thermal endurance suitable for high-temperature environments.
Specific Heat Capacity 427 J/kg·K 0.102 Btu/lb·°F Reflects the alloy’s ability to absorb and transfer heat efficiently.
Thermal Conductivity (at 20 °C) 10.6 W/m·K 73.6 BTU·in/hr·ft²·°F Moderate heat conduction helps maintain temperature balance in chemical systems.
Electrical Resistivity 1.29 µΩ·m 50.8 µΩ·in Ensures consistent electrical resistance under stress and corrosion.
Modulus of Elasticity (Tension) 205 GPa 29.7 × 10³ ksi Provides rigidity and resistance to deformation under mechanical loads.
Poisson’s Ratio 0.31 0.31 Defines the ratio of lateral strain to axial strain, showing good ductility.
Mean Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (20–100 °C) 10.9 µm/m·°C 6.06 µin/in·°F Displays stability under temperature fluctuations with low expansion rate.
Magnetic Permeability (at 200 Oersted) 1.0006 (Approx.) 1.0006 (Approx.) Non-magnetic in annealed condition, suitable for sensitive chemical environments.
Curie Temperature Below -196 °C Below -321 °F Remains non-magnetic at cryogenic temperatures.
Hardness (Rockwell B) 89 HRB 89 HRB Shows high surface hardness with good machinability.
Melting Range 1325–1370 °C 2415–2500 °F Offers wide solidification range, improving weld quality and structural consistency.
Thermal Expansion (20–1000 °C) 13.2 µm/m·°C 7.33 µin/in·°F Ensures dimensional stability under prolonged heating conditions.
Modulus of Rigidity (Shear Modulus) 84 GPa 12.2 × 10³ ksi Measures resistance to shearing deformation.

Mechanical Properties

Property Metric Value Imperial Value Test Condition / Notes
Density 8.89 g/cm³ 0.321 lb/in³ At 20°C (68°F)
Melting Point 1325 – 1370°C 2415 – 2500°F
Tensile Strength (Ultimate) 760 MPa 110,000 psi Annealed condition
Yield Strength (0.2% Offset) 355 MPa 51,500 psi Annealed condition
Elongation at Break 60% 60% In 50 mm (2 in) gauge length
Modulus of Elasticity 205 GPa 29.7 × 10³ ksi At 20°C (68°F)
Hardness (Rockwell B) 90 HRB 90 HRB Annealed condition
Impact Strength 240 J 177 ft-lb Charpy V-Notch test
Poisson’s Ratio 0.31 0.31 At 20°C (68°F)
Thermal Conductivity 10.2 W/m·K 70.8 BTU·in/hr·ft²·°F At 20°C (68°F)
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion 11.2 µm/m·°C 6.2 µin/in·°F 20–100°C (68–212°F)
Specific Heat Capacity 427 J/kg·K 0.102 BTU/lb·°F At 25°C (77°F)
Electrical Resistivity 1.24 µΩ·m 49 µΩ·in At 20°C (68°F)

Heat treatment:

Process Stage Description Temperature Range (°C / °F) Atmosphere / Medium Purpose / Effect Recommended Cooling Method Notes & Precautions
Solution Annealing The alloy is heated to a specific temperature to dissolve carbides and other precipitates formed during fabrication. 1120–1175°C / 2050–2150°F Clean, controlled furnace atmosphere or inert gas Restores corrosion resistance and mechanical uniformity by homogenizing the structure. Rapid quenching in water or air (depending on section thickness). Avoid prolonged heating below 1120°C to prevent grain boundary carbide precipitation.
Stress Relief Annealing Applied after cold working or welding to reduce internal stresses without significantly altering the microstructure. 870–900°C / 1600–1650°F Inert or reducing atmosphere Relieves residual stresses from forming or welding operations. Air cool or slow furnace cooling. Not always necessary; only used when stress levels are critical.
Stabilization Treatment Rarely required but can be used for specific industrial applications involving extended high-temperature exposure. 980–1050°C / 1800–1920°F Inert or vacuum atmosphere Stabilizes grain structure and improves high-temperature performance. Air cool. Perform only under expert supervision; excessive time can lower strength.
Post-Weld Heat Treatment (PWHT) Restores corrosion resistance and mechanical integrity of welded components. 1120°C / 2050°F (typical) Controlled or inert atmosphere Dissolves carbide precipitates formed in the heat-affected zone. Rapid water quenching. Mandatory for thick weld sections; use proper cleaning before and after heating.
Aging Treatment Not recommended for Hastelloy C276 due to its stable solid-solution structure. Alloy does not respond to aging or precipitation hardening. Mechanical strength improvements achieved by cold working, not aging.
Cooling Considerations Proper cooling after heat treatment is critical to maintain corrosion resistance and grain uniformity. Prevents carbide formation and intergranular attack. Rapid water quenching preferred. Always ensure parts are clean and free from contaminants before quenching.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Hastelloy C276 made of?

It is a nickel, molybdenum, and chromium alloy with tungsten. These elements give it strong resistance to rust and chemical attack. It also prevents pitting and cracking in harsh conditions.

It is used in chemical plants, marine systems, pollution control units, and power plants. Common products include pipes, tanks, heat exchangers, and reactors.
Yes. It is easy to weld and form. It does not form carbide when welded, so it keeps its corrosion resistance after fabrication.
It works well in strong acids like hydrochloric, sulfuric, and phosphoric acid. It also resists chlorine gas and other strong oxidizers.
It comes in sheets, plates, bars, pipes, tubes, fittings, and flanges. Custom sizes and shapes are also available for different needs.