Nichrome Ni80/Cr20 powder, consisting of 80% nickel and 20% chromium in finely divided particulate form, serves as a critical feedstock material for thermal spray coatings, additive manufacturing, and powder metallurgy applications. This nickel-chromium alloy powder combines the excellent high-temperature oxidation resistance and electrical properties of bulk nichrome with the processing versatility of powder metallurgy techniques.
Material Overview
Ni80/Cr20 powder typically features particle sizes ranging from 10 to 150 μm depending on production method and intended application, with gas atomization producing spherical particles ideal for thermal spraying and additive manufacturing [1]. The powder inherits the bulk alloy's electrical resistivity of approximately 1.08-1.12 μΩ·m and exceptional oxidation resistance up to 1150°C through protective chromium oxide formation [2]. Particle morphology significantly influences flowability and packing density, with spherical powders achieving apparent densities of 4.0-4.5 g/cm3 (approximately 50-55% of theoretical density). The powder demonstrates good sinterability, with densification occurring at temperatures above 1100°C in reducing or inert atmospheres [3]. Chemical composition control is critical, as chromium content directly influences oxidation resistance while nickel content affects ductility and corrosion resistance. Oxygen and nitrogen pickup during powder handling must be minimized to maintain alloy performance characteristics [1].
Applications and Advantages
Nichrome 80/20 powder serves as feedstock for thermal spray coatings applied via plasma spraying, HVOF, or flame spraying processes, creating wear-resistant and oxidation-resistant surfaces on industrial components [2]. Additive manufacturing techniques including selective laser melting (SLM) and binder jetting utilize the powder to fabricate complex heating elements, resistive components, and high-temperature parts with geometries impossible through conventional manufacturing [4]. Powder metallurgy processes employ Ni80/Cr20 powder for pressing and sintering of precision resistors, heating element components, and electrical contacts. The material functions in metal injection molding (MIM) for producing small, complex parts requiring high-temperature stability. Thermal barrier and wear-resistant coatings deposited from nichrome powder protect turbine components, industrial rolls, and processing equipment from oxidation and erosion [3]. Research applications include catalyst supports and conductive composites where the powder's high surface area and electrical properties provide unique functionality.
Goodfellow Availability
Goodfellow supplies Nichrome Ni80/Cr20 powder in various particle size distributions to meet diverse thermal spray, additive manufacturing, and powder metallurgy requirements. Custom specifications are available to support specialized applications.
Explore Nichrome Ni80/Cr20 powder and other advanced materials in Goodfellow's online catalogue: Goodfellow product finder.
References
- [1] German, R. M. (2014). Sintering: From Empirical Observations to Scientific Principles. Butterworth-Heinemann. https://doi.org/10.1016/C2012-0-06745-X
- [2] Davis, J. R. (Ed.). (2004). Handbook of Thermal Spray Technology. ASM International. https://doi.org/10.1361/htst2004p001
- [3] Pawlowski, L. (2008). The Science and Engineering of Thermal Spray Coatings (2nd ed.). John Wiley & Sons. https://doi.org/10.1002/9780470754085
- [4] Herzog, D., Seyda, V., Wycisk, E., et al. (2016). Additive manufacturing of metals. Acta Materialia, 117, 371-392. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actamat.2016.07.019