Hastelloy® C-276 is a corrosion-resistant nickel-based superalloy designed to withstand the harshest industrial environments. Composed primarily of Ni (57%), Mo (17%), and Cr (16%), with minor additions of Fe, W, and Mn, the alloy maintains its mechanical integrity under extreme chemical and thermal stress. Its unique solid-solution-hardened structure provides both high-temperature strength and outstanding resistance to localized corrosion mechanisms such as pitting, crevice corrosion, and stress-corrosion cracking.
Material Overview
The alloy’s microstructure is primarily a single-phase ? (Ni–Cr–Mo) solid solution that offers stability across a wide temperature range. According to Li et al. (2013), long-term exposure of C-276 at 700 °C results in the precipitation of ?-phase and M?C carbides at grain boundaries, enhancing hardness but reducing ductility. Despite this, the alloy’s tensile strength remains superior to conventional stainless steels, and its oxidation resistance enables service up to 1100 °C. C-276 also exhibits excellent resistance to hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, and chloride environments, making it suitable for chemical processing and nuclear reactor components.
Recent studies confirm Hastelloy C-276’s robustness under extreme conditions. Fan et al. (2023) demonstrated that its creep rupture strength remains stable between 650–700 °C under stresses up to 430 MPa, with fracture morphology dominated by ductile dimples. Tümer (2020) observed that tungsten inert gas (TIG) welded joints retain superior mechanical and corrosion properties, showing minimal microstructural degradation after post-weld exposure. ?esanek et al. (2018) further verified that high-velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) coatings of C-276 maintain selective oxidation resistance even after 168 hours in molten salt environments at 575 °C, emphasizing its stability for high-temperature corrosion applications. These results establish Hastelloy C-276 as a leading material for extreme corrosive and thermal service environments.
Applications and Advantages
Hastelloy C-276 is employed in chemical reactors, scrubbers, evaporators, heat exchangers, and nuclear containment vessels. Its high molybdenum content ensures excellent pitting resistance, while chromium provides oxidation protection. The alloy’s mechanical and creep strength make it ideal for high-temperature service in the chemical processing, pulp and paper, and waste treatment industries. Furthermore, its weldability and structural stability have led to its adoption in additive manufacturing and advanced coating technologies for extended component lifespan.
Goodfellow Availability
Goodfellow provides Hastelloy® C-276 in tube and wire forms, suitable for corrosion and high-temperature testing, process design, and component fabrication. Custom diameters and purities can be supplied for specialized research and engineering requirements. Discover more through the Goodfellow product finder.
References
- Fan, G., Yuan, G., Wang, W., Zhang, J., Jia, Y., Wang, J., & Lu, Y. (2023). Study on creep characteristics and the isochronous stress–strain curve of Ni–Cr–Mo superalloy. Materials at High Temperatures. https://doi.org/10.1080/09603409.2023.2277565
- Li, Y., Liu, J., Li, X., Jiang, L., Li, Z., Wu, G., & Zhou, X. (2013). Effect of long time thermal exposure on microstructure and mechanical properties of C-276 superalloy. In: Advanced Materials Research. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-48764-9_42
- Tümer, M. (2020). Microstructure, mechanical and corrosion properties of TIG welded Hastelloy C-276. Materials Testing, 62(9), 894–903. https://doi.org/10.3139/120.111559
- ?esanek, Z., Schubert, J., & Bláhová, O. (2018). Degradation of HVOF sprayed Hastelloy C-276 local mechanical properties after exposure to high temperature corrosion. Key Engineering Materials, 784, 147–153. https://doi.org/10.4028/WWW.SCIENTIFIC.NET/KEM.784.147
- Wu, D. J., Ma, G., Niu, F., & Guo, D. (2013). Pulsed laser welding of Hastelloy C-276: High-temperature mechanical properties and microstructure. Materials and Manufacturing Processes, 28(2), 175–181. https://doi.org/10.1080/10426914.2012.736652