nickel v nickel plated steel,Steel Market Forecast

nickel v nickel plated steel,Nickel and Nickel - plated Steel: An Introduction Nickel and nickel - plated steel are two materials that we often come

Nickel and Nickel - plated Steel: An Introduction

Nickel and nickel - plated steel are two materials that we often come across in our daily lives, though we might not always be aware of them. Nickel is a chemical element that has a silvery - white appearance. It is quite resistant to corrosion, which makes it useful in many applications.

Nickel - plated steel, on the other hand, is steel that has been coated with a layer of nickel. The steel provides strength and the nickel coating offers protection against rust and gives the item a more appealing look. For example, in some household items like cutlery, the base might be steel for durability, but it is nickel - plated to make it shiny and resistant to corrosion from food acids and moisture.

Uses of Nickel

Nickel is used in a variety of ways. In the manufacturing of coins, nickel is a common component. For instance, the American five - cent coin, the nickel, actually contains nickel along with copper. It's also used in batteries, especially rechargeable batteries. In the jewelry industry, nickel is sometimes used to make cheaper alternatives to precious metal jewelry. However, some people are allergic to nickel, which can cause skin rashes when they come into contact with nickel - containing items.

Uses of Nickel - plated Steel

Nickel - plated steel has numerous applications. In the automotive industry, parts of the engine or the exterior trim might be made of nickel - plated steel. This is because it can withstand the harsh conditions such as exposure to water, road salt in winter, and heat from the engine. In the construction industry, nickel - plated steel can be used for decorative elements like handrails or door handles as it gives a sleek and durable finish.

Comparing Nickel and Nickel - plated Steel

When it comes to cost, nickel can be quite expensive depending on its purity and the market conditions. Nickel - plated steel, while it has the added cost of the plating process, can often be more cost - effective in applications where the strength of steel is needed along with the corrosion resistance of nickel. In terms of durability, nickel is a relatively soft metal compared to steel. So, in high - stress applications where strength is crucial, nickel - plated steel might be a better choice.

Questions and Answers

Question 1: What are the main differences between nickel and nickel - plated steel?Answer: Nickel is a pure element with good corrosion resistance, while nickel - plated steel is steel with a nickel coating. Nickel - plated steel combines the strength of steel and the corrosion - resistant property of nickel. Also, nickel is relatively soft compared to steel.

Question 2: Why is nickel - plated steel used in the automotive industry?Answer: Nickel - plated steel is used in the automotive industry because it can endure harsh conditions such as exposure to water, road salt, and heat from the engine. The nickel plating provides corrosion resistance and the steel offers strength.