Nimonic® Alloy 90 is a precipitation-hardenable nickel–chromium–cobalt superalloy designed for exceptional performance under high stress and temperature conditions. Originally developed for aerospace and turbine applications, this alloy provides an outstanding combination of creep resistance, tensile strength, and oxidation stability up to 950 °C. Its precise composition of nickel (53%), chromium (20%), cobalt (18%), titanium (2.5%), aluminum (1.5%), and trace elements enables consistent microstructural integrity and durability during long-term service.
Material Overview
Nimonic 90’s austenitic face-centered cubic (FCC) matrix is strengthened by coherent Ni3(Al,Ti) precipitates (γ′) formed during aging. precipitates that inhibit dislocation motion, conferring excellent high-temperature strength. The alloy’s chromium content enhances oxidation resistance, while cobalt contributes to solid solution hardening and stability under thermal cycling. Alapati (2013) examined the fracture and deformation behavior of Nimonic 90 sheets, showing superior tensile strength (over 900 MPa) and ductility even after repeated thermal exposure. Studies by Hattendorf (2015) and Pike (2005) confirmed that advanced variants of Ni–Cr–Co–Ti–Al alloys achieve excellent wear resistance and creep life at elevated temperatures through optimized heat treatment and composition balance. Additionally, Cao and Kennedy (1996) reported that reducing phosphorus impurities while maintaining boron levels enhances stress-rupture resistance, a critical feature for turbine blade and combustion chamber applications.
Applications and Advantages
Nimonic® 90 wire is used extensively in jet engine components, exhaust valves, and high-temperature fasteners where sustained mechanical integrity and corrosion resistance are essential. Its exceptional fatigue resistance and oxidation protection make it ideal for gas turbines, nuclear reactors, and petrochemical systems. Gao et al. (2020) developed chromium-containing cobalt–nickel alloys that demonstrate similar corrosion resistance and tensile performance for aerospace engine parts, underscoring the continuing relevance of Nimonic-type compositions in high-temperature metallurgy. The alloy’s capacity to resist strain-age cracking and maintain strength after long exposure ensures reliability in critical load-bearing components.
Goodfellow Availability
Goodfellow supplies Nimonic® Alloy 90 Wire in research-grade purity for advanced engineering and scientific applications. Each product is processed to ensure homogeneous microstructure and precise dimensional control. Custom diameters, coil forms, and heat-treated variants are available to meet specialized performance requirements in aerospace, energy, and materials science research.
Explore Nimonic® Alloy 90 (Ni53/Cr20/Co18/Ti2.5/Al1.5/Fe1.5) and other high-performance materials in Goodfellow’s online catalogue: Goodfellow product finder.
References
- Alapati, V. (2013). Evaluation of and fracture behavior of Alloy 90 sheets. IOSR Journal of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, 6(2), 52–66. https://doi.org/10.9790/1684-0625266
- Hattendorf, H. (2015). Hardening nickel–chromium–cobalt–titanium–aluminium alloy with good wear resistance, creep strength, and corrosion resistance. Patent.
- Pike, L. M. Jr. (2005). Ni–Cr–Co alloy for advanced gas turbine engines. Patent, Haynes International.
- Cao, W.-D., & Kennedy, R. L. (1996). Nickel–chromium–cobalt alloy having improved high-temperature properties. Patent.
- Gao, Q., Zhang, H., Qu, F., & Liu, Z. (2020). Chromium-containing cobalt-based high-temperature alloy and application thereof. Patent.