Inconel® alloy 600 - Heat Resisting Alloy (Ni72/Cr16/Fe 8) - Material Information

Inconel® alloy 600 is a nickel–chromium–iron alloy engineered for high strength, corrosion resistance, and exceptional stability under extreme temperatures. Its combination of mechanical toughness and chemical inertness makes it a preferred material for furnace components, heat exchangers, and chemical processing systems. The alloy’s robust passivating oxide layer allows it to maintain surface integrity even in aggressive and oxidizing atmospheres.

Material Overview

The microstructure of Inconel 600 consists of a solid-solution matrix with 72% Ni, 16% Cr, and 8% Fe. This composition provides both oxidation protection and mechanical durability up to 1150 °C. Studies by Li et al. (2018) demonstrated that oxidation below 800 °C follows a parabolic rate law, forming a protective Cr?O?–NiCr?O? spinel layer, while temperatures exceeding 900 °C cause partial spallation due to mixed oxides such as MnCr?O?. Mechanical evaluations reveal high tensile strength (up to 650 MPa at 650 °C) and excellent fatigue resistance even under cyclic loading (Moradi et al., 2024). Furthermore, hot deformation experiments confirm the alloy’s favorable flow behavior and recrystallization kinetics, supporting its use in welded or formed components. Its corrosion resistance in molten salts and acidic media further expands its applications to extreme environments like nuclear power and chemical reactors (Salinas-Solano et al., 2014).

Applications and Advantages

Owing to its unique thermal and corrosion characteristics, Inconel 600 is extensively used in heat exchangers, furnace muffles, evaporator tubing, and nuclear steam generator systems. Its stability in both reducing and oxidizing atmospheres prevents embrittlement and intergranular corrosion. Laser surface modification and boriding treatments enhance its wear resistance, producing surfaces that remain stable under chloride and molten-salt exposure (Dziarski et al., 2017). The alloy’s durability and formability under stress make it ideal for turbine components, cryogenic containers, and energy conversion systems that demand long operational lifetimes under fluctuating loads.

Goodfellow Availability

Goodfellow supplies Inconel® alloy 600 in foil, wire, and other customizable forms suitable for high-temperature and corrosive applications. All materials meet strict purity and microstructural standards. Explore this and other nickel-based superalloys through the Goodfellow product finder.

References

• Li, D. S., Chen, G., Li, D., Zheng, Q., Gao, P., & Zhang, L. L. (2018). Oxidation resistance of nickel-based superalloy Inconel 600 in air at different temperatures. Rare Metals, 37(12), 1094–1102. https://doi.org/10.1007/S12598-018-1148-1
• Moradi, A., Ghorbani, S., & Chizari, M. (2024). Experimental research on mechanical, material, and metallurgical properties of Inconel 600: Application in elevated temperature environment. Journal of Design and Advanced Fabrication, 2(1), 30–45. https://doi.org/10.62676/jdaf.2024.2.1.30
• Dziarski, P., Kulka, M., Makuch, N., & Miko?ajczak, D. (2017). Corrosion resistance of laser-borided Inconel 600 alloy. Archives of Metallurgy and Materials, 62(3), 1461–1468. https://doi.org/10.15199/28.2017.3.7
• Salinas-Solano, G., Porcayo-Calderon, J., Gonzalez-Rodriguez, J. G., & Ascencio-Gutierrez, J. A. (2014). High temperature corrosion of Inconel 600 in NaCl–KCl molten salts. Advances in Materials Science and Engineering, 2014, 696081. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/696081
• Zhao, H., Liu, Q. B., & Yao, D. W. (2017). The research and application status of Inconel 600 alloy under extremely situation. Key Engineering Materials, 730, 21–25. https://doi.org/10.4028/WWW.SCIENTIFIC.NET/KEM.730.21