Material Family

Low-Carbon, Commercially Pure Nickel (Wrought)

Optimized for high-temperature stability.

Common Designations

UNS N02201, Nickel 201, W.Nr. 2.4061, 2.4068, LC-Nickel 99.2

"LC" denotes Low Carbon. The grade specified for elevated temperature service.

Primary Distinction from Nickel 200

Guaranteed Low Carbon Content (C ≤ 0.02 wt.%) to prevent graphite precipitation at grain boundaries during high-temperature service.

This is the sole but critical reason to specify 201 over 200 for applications above ~315°C (600°F).

Chemical Composition (Typical wt.%)

Ni (+Co): ≥ 99.0
C: ≤ 0.02
Fe: ≤ 0.40
Mn: ≤ 0.35
Cu: ≤ 0.25
Si: ≤ 0.35
S: ≤ 0.01

The very low carbon level ensures long-term microstructural stability under thermal stress.

Mechanical Properties (Annealed Plate, Room Temp)

Tensile Strength (Rm): 380 - 550 MPa
Yield Strength (Rp0.2): 100 - 275 MPa
Elongation (A): 40 - 55%

Identical ductility and formability to Nickel 200. Lower strength than alloyed nickels but excellent for fabrication.

Physical Properties

Density: 8.89 g/cm³
Melting Point: 1435-1445 °C
Thermal Conductivity: 70 W/m·K (at 100°C)
Recommended Service Range: Cryogenic to ~650°C (1200°F) for continuous service.

Maintains excellent thermal and electrical conductivity. The safe upper temperature limit is significantly higher than for Nickel 200.

Key Corrosion Resistance Attributes

• Excellent resistance to hot, concentrated caustic alkalis (NaOH, KOH) – its premier application.• Excellent resistance to neutral and reducing salts, organic acids, and dry halogen gases.• Good resistance to dilute hydrochloric and sulfuric acids at room temperature.• Poor resistance to oxidizing acids (e.g., nitric acid) and ammonium salts.

Corrosion resistance is identical to Nickel 200. Its advantage is sustained integrity in hot corrosive environments.

Key Standards (Plate)

ASTM B162 / ASME SB-162 (Standard Specification for Nickel Plate, Sheet, and Strip - Grade UNS N02201)

The same ASTM standard covers both 200 and 201; the UNS number defines the purchase.

High-Temperature Stability

Resists the formation of intergranular graphite (embrittlement) caused by the decomposition of carbides (Ni₃C) when held in or slowly cooled through the 315°C-650°C range.

This stability is mandatory for equipment like caustic evaporators or heating elements that operate in this critical temperature zone.

Typical Applications

• Chemical Processing: Caustic soda (NaOH) evaporators, melters, and handling systems operating at high temperatures.
• Electronics & Aerospace: High-temperature, high-purity shielding, and structural components.
• Food & Pharmaceutical: High-temperature processing equipment requiring purity.
• Synthetic Fiber Production: Components in high-temperature polymer processing.
• Alkaline Fuel Cells & Battery Systems.

The specialist material for high-temperature, corrosive alkaline service and high-purity thermal applications.