Nickel (Ni) is a chemical element of the periodic table, which is part of the triad of Fe, Co, Ni. Nickel is a white metal with a noticeable silver tint. It combines well with other metals, while forming alloys.
Nickel discovery
Nickel ore was first discovered by a chemist from Sweden A. Kronstedt in 1751. Long before its discovery, miners from Saxony knew well the ore, which outwardly looked like copper. It was used by glassmakers to give products a green color. Often the steelworkers of that time tried to get copper from this alloy, but all their attempts failed. Therefore, at the end of the XVII century. Nickel metal got its first name - “cupfernickel”, which means “diabolical ore”. Mineralologist Kronstedt still managed to get green oxide, and nickel itself was obtained by restoring the latter.
Further, the study of metal was carried out by the scientist Bergman. Having received it in its pure form, he was able to establish that the properties of nickel are close to the characteristics of iron. Other researchers have studied this metal in more detail, starting with Proust. Its various properties, including the density of nickel, were gradually clarified. In fact, the word "nikkel" is a curse of miners. It came from a distorted Niccolaus and served as the nickname of two-faced, deceitful people. The second meaning of the word was "mischievous spirit," "loafer."
Nickel density and its other properties
Nickel has properties such as ductility and ductility. These characteristics make it easy to rent. Sheets and pipes are made of metal. Nickel is a fairly strong material. Its tensile strength is 450 MPa. At the same time, it is highly plastic and also has high corrosion resistance. Nickel thermal conductivity is 90.1 W / (m · K) (at a temperature of 25 ° C).
Mines are composed of five stable isotopes. Nickel belongs to the category of heavy metals. The density of nickel is 8902 kg / m 3 . This is twice as much as that of titanium, but in its numerical value it is equal to the density of copper.
Is nickel rusty?
Nickel is resistant to high temperatures. If this metal is used in an industrial environment, it is often coated with an oxide film, while it is slightly dull. It also does not rust. Acids, neither organic nor inorganic, also act on it. Rust does not coat this metal even in hot alcohols. Therefore, nickel is often used in the food industry.
Where can nickel be corroded?
There are just a few environments where this metal can break down. Firstly, it is sea water. Further, alkaline hypochlorite solutions badly affect it. Sulfur, salt solutions, ammonia water also cause corrosion .
Nickel Alloys
This metal is a good addition to steel. It increases its ductility and strength. The addition of nickel and chromium to alloys provides high anticorrosive properties of steels. Chromium-nickel stainless steels are widely used in industry, which at the same time possess a high level of heat resistance.
And in chemistry, alloys are known where nickel is the main element. The density of nickel allows it to be used in alloys with iron, aluminum, manganese, chromium and silicon. Such alloys are used to create heaters. They have a high level of magnetic permeability. Cast iron, in which nickel is added, is also used in mechanical engineering. Industrial production of this metal began about a hundred years ago. At the same time, about 80% of all nickel is used for nickel plating of steel and production of alloys.
Other metal applications
Nickel and its alloys are used not only for the production of stainless steels. Metal and alloys with his participation are used in the creation of chemical equipment, shipbuilding. Nichrome and chromel are components of household appliances: toasters, irons, as well as heaters. Other alloys are used in the construction of marine ships. Nickel coatings often carry a decorative function.
Metal toxicity
In large quantities, nickel can have a dangerous effect on the body. Its increased content in food may indicate a direct threat to health. The most common consequence of excessive ingestion of nickel is an allergy. It also causes bronchitis, kidney disease, and lung cancer. But the toxicity of nickel is manifested only if it is in the body in large quantities.