 Austenitic nickel-chromium superalloys |
Inconel (/ˈɪnkənəl/ IN-co-nel) is a superalloy composed mainly of nickel, chromium, and iron that is often used in extreme environments where components are subjected to high temperature, pressure, or mechanical loads. Inconel alloys are oxidation- and corrosion-resistant. When heated, Inconel forms a thick, stable passivating oxide layer protecting the surface from further attack. Inconel retains strength over a wide temperature range, making it attractive for high-temperature applications in which aluminum and steel would succumb to creep as a result of thermally-induced crystal vacancies. Inconel's high-temperature strength is developed by solid solution strengthening or precipitation hardening, depending on the alloy.12
Inconel was discovered in the early 1930s by scientists at the International Nickel Company (later ). Common trade names for various Inconel alloys include: