Nickel beryllium alloy compositions
Disclosed herein are nickel beryllium alloys having improved corrosion and hardness characteristics relative to known nickel beryllium alloys. The alloys have a chemical composition with about 1.5% to 5% beryllium (Be) by weight, about 0.5% to 7% niobium (Nb) by weight; and nickel (Ni). Up to about 5 wt % chromium (Cr) may also be included. The alloys display improved hardness and corrosion resistance properties.
1. A nickel beryllium alloy composition comprising:
from about 1.5% to about 5.0% by weight of beryllium (Be);
from about 0.4% to about 6.0% by weight of niobium (Nb);
less than 0.3 wt % aluminum (Al);
up to about 5% by weight chromium; and
at least 88 wt % nickel (Ni).
2. The nickel beryllium alloy composition of claim 1 , wherein the alloy composition comprises from greater than 0.5 wt % up to about 5% by weight chromium.
3. The nickel beryllium alloy composition of claim 1 , further comprising titanium (Ti) in an amount of up to about 0.7% by weight.
4. The nickel beryllium alloy composition of claim 1 , having from about 2.0% to about 3.0% by weight of beryllium (Be).
5. The nickel beryllium alloy composition of claim 1 , having from about 0.4% to about 5.0% by weight of niobium (Nb).
6. The nickel beryllium alloy composition of claim 1 , having:
from about 2.0% to about 3.0% by weight of beryllium (Be);
from about 0.4% to about 5.0% by weight of niobium (Nb);
less than 0.3% by weight aluminum (Al);
chromium (Cr) in an amount of up to about 5% by weight;
titanium (Ti) in an amount of up to about 0.7% by weight; and
at least 88 wt % nickel (Ni).
7. The nickel beryllium alloy composition of claim 1 , having at least 93% by weight of nickel (Ni).
8. The nickel beryllium alloy composition of claim 1 , wherein the alloy contains titanium (Ti) as an unavoidable impurity.
9. The nickel beryllium alloy composition of claim 1 , having a Rockwell C hardness of at least 50.
10. The nickel beryllium alloy composition of claim 1 , having a Rockwell C hardness of at least 52.
11. The nickel beryllium alloy composition of claim 1 , wherein the molar ratio of Be:Nb is from 4:1 to 70:1.
12. The nickel beryllium alloy composition of claim 1 , consisting essentially of:
from about 2.2% to about 2.9% by weight of beryllium (Be);
from about 0.4% to about 1.8% by weight of niobium (Nb);
less than 0.3% by weight aluminum (Al)
chromium (Cr) in an amount of up to about 5% by weight;
titanium (Ti) in an amount of up to about 0.7% by weight; and
at least 93% by weight of nickel (Ni).
13. The nickel beryllium alloy composition of claim 1 , comprising:
at least 89.95 wt % nickel.
14. The nickel beryllium alloy composition of claim 1 , comprising:
at least 92.30 wt % nickel.
15. The nickel beryllium alloy composition of claim 1 , comprising:
at least 91.75 wt % nickel.
16. A nickel beryllium alloy composition comprising:
from about 1.5% to about 5.0% by weight beryllium (Be);
from about 0.4% to about 6.0% by weight niobium (Nb);
from 0% to about 5% by weight chromium (Cr);
from 0% to about 0.7% by weight titanium (Ti);
less than 0.3% by weight carbon (C);
less than 0.3% by weight copper (Cu);
less than 0.3% by weight aluminum (Al);
less than 0.3% by weight iron (Fe); and
at least 88 wt % nickel (Ni).
17. The nickel beryllium alloy composition of claim 16 , comprising:
from about 2.0% to about 3.0% by weight beryllium (Be); and
from about 0.4% to about 5.0% by weight niobium (Nb).
18. The nickel beryllium alloy composition of claim 16 , comprising:
at least 89.95 wt % nickel.
19. The nickel beryllium alloy composition of claim 16 , comprising:
at least 92.30 wt % nickel.
20. The nickel beryllium alloy composition of claim 16 , comprising:
at least 91.75 wt % nickel.