Monel Alloy 400 (UNS N04400)
Products
Special Steels Division
Wire Division
Monel Alloy 400 (2.4360, ASTM B164, AMS 4371)
Key Properties:
1. Corrosion Resistance
Monel Alloy 400 is a strong, tough, and corrosion-resistant material. It performs well in acidic, alkaline, and marine environments. The alloy stays stable under high temperature and pressure. Its reliability makes it a top choice for demanding industrial use.
2. High Strength and Toughness
3. Thermal Stability
4. Good Weldability and Fabricability
5. Magnetic and Electrical Properties
Monel 400 shows slight magnetic behavior at room temperature. The magnetism changes with chemical composition. It also has good electrical conductivity. These features make it useful for electrical and electronic parts.
6. Resistance to Hydrofluoric and Sulfuric Acids
7. Excellent Fatigue Resistance
8. Long Service Life
In summary, Monel Alloy 400 combines corrosion resistance, strength, and easy fabrication. Its balanced properties make it ideal for marine, chemical, refining, and heat exchange applications.
Performance Profile:
1. Corrosion resistance
It resists seawater and steam at high temperatures. It performs well in flowing brackish and salt water. It resists stress-corrosion cracking and pitting in most fresh and industrial waters. It can stand some acids, such as hydrofluoric and sulfuric, under controlled conditions. These traits make it a top choice for marine, offshore, and chemical plants.
2. Mechanical properties
3. Thermal and electrical conductivity
4. Fabrication and weldability
5. Magnetic properties
6. Applications and service life
Summary
Common Applications:
1. Marine Industry: Monel 400 is widely used in marine work. It resists seawater and salt spray. Builders use it for marine fixtures, fasteners, propeller shafts, seawater valves, and pump shafts. Its long life and resistance to saltwater make it ideal for shipbuilding, offshore rigs, and coastal structures.
2. Chemical Processing Equipment: This alloy stands strong against acids and alkalis. It is used in chemical plants, refineries, and process systems. Common parts made from it include process vessels, heat exchangers, piping, evaporators, and storage tanks. It resists hydrofluoric, sulfuric, and caustic acids, which makes it reliable for harsh chemical use.
3. Oil and Gas Industry: Monel 400 plays a key role in oil and gas fields. It is used in crude petroleum stills, distillation towers, valves, pumps, and tubing. It handles sour gas and corrosive crude with ease. The alloy performs well under high pressure and temperature, making it perfect for drilling and refining operations.
4. Power Generation: In power plants, Monel 400 is used in boiler feedwater heaters, condenser tubes, and heat exchangers. Its high thermal conductivity allows fast heat transfer. It resists corrosion and offers long service life in water and steam systems.
5. Electrical and Electronic Components: Monel 400 conducts electricity well and resists oxidation. It is used in electrical connectors, switchgear, and electronic instruments. It gives steady performance even in changing weather and temperature.
6. Aerospace and Defense: The alloy’s toughness and reliability make it useful in aerospace fuel tanks, hydraulic lines, and military equipment. It performs well in demanding and high-stress environments.
7. Fresh Water and Fuel Storage: Monel 400 is often used for gasoline and fresh water tanks. It prevents rust and contamination. It works well for long-term storage of liquids and fuels.
Specifications:
- UNS N04400
- W.Nr. 2.4360 / 2.4361
- ASTM B127 (Plate, Sheet, and Strip)
- ASTM B164 (Rod, Bar, and Wire)
- ASTM B165 (Seamless Pipe and Tube)
- ASTM B163 (Seamless Condenser and Heat Exchanger Tubes)
- ASTM B725 (Welded Pipe)
- ASTM B730 (Welded Tube)
- ASTM B564
- ASTM B730
- ASME SB127, SB164, SB165, SB163, SB730, SB725, SB564.
- ISO 6208
- QQ-N-281
- Mil-T-1368
- EN10204 3.1
Chemical Composition (WT %):
| Element | Min wt% | Max wt% | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nickel (Ni) (including Co) | 63.0% min (balance / remainder) | — | Nickel is the balance (remainder). Some specifications state “Ni + Co ≥ 63.0%.” |
| Copper (Cu) | 28% | 34% | Specified range. |
| Iron (Fe) | — | ≤ 2.50% | Maximum. |
| Manganese (Mn) | — | ≤ 2.00% | Maximum. |
| Silicon (Si) | — | ≤ 0.50% | Maximum. |
| Carbon (C) | — | ≤ 0.30% | Maximum. |
| Sulfur (S) | — | ≤ 0.024% | Maximum (very low to limit sulfide inclusions). |
Physical Properties:
| Property | Metric Value | Imperial Value | Description / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 8.80 g/cm³ | 0.318 lb/in³ | Indicates compactness and weight of the alloy. |
| Melting Point | 1300–1350 °C | 2370–2460 °F | Wide melting range suitable for high-temperature use. |
| Specific Heat Capacity (at 20 °C) | 0.43 J/g·K | 0.102 Btu/lb·°F | Defines the heat required to raise the alloy’s temperature. |
| Thermal Conductivity (at 25 °C) | 21.8 W/m·K | 151 Btu·in/hr·ft²·°F | Reflects good heat transfer ability. |
| Electrical Resistivity (at 20 °C) | 5.47 µΩ·cm | 214 µΩ·in | Measures opposition to electric current. |
| Modulus of Elasticity (Tension) | 179 GPa | 26 × 10⁶ psi | Indicates stiffness or resistance to deformation. |
| Poisson’s Ratio | 0.32 | 0.32 | Ratio of lateral to longitudinal strain. |
| Magnetic Permeability (Annealed) | 1.002 (at 200 Oe) | 1.002 (at 200 Oe) | Shows it is slightly magnetic in some conditions. |
| Curie Temperature | 35–100 °C (varies with composition) | 95–212 °F | Temperature at which magnetic properties change. |
| Thermal Expansion (20–100 °C) | 13.9 µm/m·°C | 7.72 µin/in·°F | Defines how much it expands with heat. |
| Sound Velocity (Rod) | 5400 m/s | 17,700 ft/s | Indicates speed of sound through the metal. |
| Modulus of Rigidity (Shear Modulus) | 66 GPa | 9.6 × 10⁶ psi | Describes resistance to shear deformation. |
| Density Ratio to Water (Specific Gravity) | 8.8 | 8.8 | Confirms its heaviness compared to water. |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Metric (Typical Values) | Imperial (Typical Values) | Description / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 8.80 g/cm³ | 0.318 lb/in³ | High density gives strength and rigidity. |
| Melting Point | 1300–1350 °C | 2370–2460 °F | Exhibits excellent thermal stability and maintains properties at elevated temperatures. |
| Tensile Strength | 480–620 MPa | 70–90 ksi | Provides high tensile strength suitable for marine, chemical, and high-stress environments. |
| Yield Strength (0.2% offset) | 170–275 MPa | 25–40 ksi | Offers good yield strength and retains toughness after cold working. |
| Elongation at Break | 25–35 % | 25–40 % | Indicates excellent ductility and flexibility for forming and fabrication. |
| Modulus of Elasticity (Tension) | 179 GPa | 26 × 10⁶ psi | Reflects high stiffness and resistance to deformation under load. |
| Hardness (Rockwell B) | 65–80 HRB | 65–80 HRB | Medium hardness; can be increased through cold working. |
| Impact Strength (Charpy V-notch) | 100 J | 74 ft·lbf | Retains toughness even at low temperatures. |
| Poisson’s Ratio | 0.32 | 0.32 | Typical for nickel-copper alloys; ensures dimensional stability under stress. |
| Shear Modulus | 67 GPa | 9.7 × 10³ ksi | Provides strong resistance to shearing forces in mechanical parts. |
| Fatigue Strength (10⁸ cycles) | 170 MPa | 25 ksi | Demonstrates long service life under cyclic loading. |
| Thermal Conductivity | 21.8 W/m·K | 150 Btu·in/hr·ft²·°F | Offers good heat transfer properties for heat exchangers and condensers. |
| Electrical Resistivity | 0.000544 ohm·cm | 0.000214 ohm·in | Ensures moderate electrical conductivity; suitable for electronic components. |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (20–100 °C) | 13.9 µm/m·°C | 7.7 µin/in·°F | Maintains dimensional stability across temperature variations. |
| Modulus in Torsion | 69 GPa | 10 × 10³ ksi | Reflects high torque resistance and torsional strength. |
| Magnetic Permeability (Annealed) | ≤ 1.002 at 200 Oe | — | Essentially nonmagnetic at room temperature; may vary slightly by heat composition. |
Heat treatment:
| Heat Treatment Process | Temperature Range (°C / °F) | Heating Medium / Method | Cooling Method | Purpose / Effect | Remarks / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annealing (Stress Relief) | 480–540°C (900–1000°F) | Air or neutral atmosphere furnace | Air cooling or water quenching | Relieves residual stresses after cold working; restores ductility | Used after moderate cold forming; prevents cracking during further fabrication |
| Full Annealing | 760–980°C (1400–1800°F) | Electric or gas-fired furnace with protective atmosphere | Rapid air cooling or water quenching | Restores full softness and ductility; homogenizes structure | Standard treatment for heavily cold-worked sections before machining or welding |
| Solution Annealing | 870–980°C (1600–1800°F) | Controlled atmosphere furnace | Water quenching | Dissolves segregated phases and improves corrosion resistance | Helps achieve uniform grain structure and resistance to stress corrosion |
| Recrystallization Anneal | 540–650°C (1000–1200°F) | Furnace or salt bath | Air cooling | Reduces hardness slightly while retaining strength | Applied to cold-worked materials needing partial softening |
| Stress Relieving (Post Weld Heat Treatment) | 590–650°C (1100–1200°F) | Furnace with inert atmosphere (Argon/Nitrogen) | Air cooling | Minimizes residual stresses after welding | Avoid excessive heating to prevent grain growth or oxidation |
| Bright Annealing | 760–900°C (1400–1650°F) | Vacuum or reducing atmosphere | Rapid cooling under inert gas | Provides smooth, clean surface without oxide scale | Ideal for thin sheets, tubing, and precision components |
| Aging Treatment | Not applicable (Monel 400 is non-age-hardenable) | — | — | — | Alloy 400 cannot be precipitation hardened; strength achieved only by cold working |