Hastelloy B2 Plates vs Titanium Plates: Which is More Durable?

When it comes to high-performance materials used in demanding industrial environments, Hastelloy B2 plates and titanium plates are often at the top of the list. Both are renowned for their exceptional resistance to corrosion and impressive mechanical properties. However, durability can mean different things depending on the specific application—whether it’s withstanding corrosive chemicals, resisting mechanical wear, or maintaining strength under high temperatures.

In this article, we will explore the characteristics of Hastelloy B2 and titanium plates, compare their durability factors, and help determine which might be the better choice for your project.

Understanding Hastelloy B2 Plates

Composition and Properties

Hastelloy B2 is a nickel-molybdenum alloy designed primarily for resistance to reducing environments. It contains approximately:

• Nickel (Ni): Balance

• Molybdenum (Mo): ~28%

• Iron (Fe): ≤ 2%

• Chromium (Cr): ≤ 1%

• Cobalt (Co): ≤ 1%

The high molybdenum content gives Hastelloy B2 exceptional resistance to hydrochloric acid, hydrogen chloride gas, sulfuric acid, and other strong reducing agents.

Key Characteristics

• Corrosion Resistance: Outstanding in reducing environments, particularly against hydrogen chloride and sulfuric acid.

• Mechanical Strength: Good tensile and yield strength across a wide temperature range.

• Thermal Stability: Maintains properties up to ~800°C (1472°F).

• Fabrication: Can be formed and welded with proper procedures, though care must be taken to avoid oxidizing conditions during fabrication.

Applications

• Chemical processing equipment

• Heat exchangers

• Reactor vessels

• Acid production plants

Understanding Titanium Plates

Composition and Properties

Commercially pure titanium (Grades 1–4) and titanium alloys (such as Grade 5 Ti-6Al-4V) are widely used for their corrosion resistance, lightweight nature, and high strength-to-weight ratio. Pure titanium contains:

• Titanium (Ti): ≥ 99%

• Small amounts of oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, carbon, and iron

Titanium alloys introduce aluminum, vanadium, or other elements to enhance strength.

Key Characteristics

• Corrosion Resistance: Excellent in oxidizing environments such as seawater, chlorine, and nitric acid.

• Mechanical Strength: High strength-to-weight ratio; Grade 5 titanium offers very high tensile strength.

• Lightweight: ~45% lighter than steel for similar strength.

• Biocompatibility: Non-toxic and compatible with the human body, making it suitable for medical implants.

Applications

• Aerospace structures

• Marine hardware

• Medical implants

• Chemical processing

• Desalination plants

Durability Comparison: Hastelloy B2 vs Titanium Plates

Durability can be evaluated across several key performance areas:

1. Corrosion Resistance

• Hastelloy B2: Exceptional in strongly reducing environments. Performs well against hydrochloric acid at all concentrations and temperatures. However, it is less effective in oxidizing environments unless properly alloyed with chromium.

• Titanium: Excellent in oxidizing environments such as seawater and oxidizing acids, but not as resistant as Hastelloy B2 to strong reducing acids like hydrochloric acid.

Winner:

• Reducing environments → Hastelloy B2

• Oxidizing environments → Titanium

2. Mechanical Strength

• Hastelloy B2: Good strength, especially at elevated temperatures, but generally heavier than titanium.

• Titanium: Offers a higher strength-to-weight ratio, especially in alloyed forms like Grade 5 Ti-6Al-4V.

Winner:

• For weight-sensitive applications → Titanium

• For high load-bearing with no weight restrictions → Tie

3. Temperature Resistance

• Hastelloy B2: Stable mechanical properties up to ~800°C (1472°F).

• Titanium: Pure titanium can withstand up to ~400°C (752°F) without significant loss of strength; titanium alloys extend this limit.

Winner: Hastelloy B2 for higher temperature durability.

4. Wear and Abrasion Resistance

• Hastelloy B2: Moderately wear-resistant but primarily designed for corrosion resistance rather than abrasion.

• Titanium: Naturally less wear-resistant but can be surface-treated for improved performance.

Winner: Depends on coating and treatment; neither material is primarily chosen for wear resistance.

5. Weight Considerations

• Hastelloy B2: Higher density (~9.24 g/cm³) makes it heavier.

• Titanium: Much lighter (~4.51 g/cm³), making it ideal for aerospace and marine applications where weight matters.

Winner: Titanium

Cost Factor

• Hastelloy B2: More expensive than common stainless steels but generally less costly than aerospace-grade titanium alloys.

• Titanium: Higher cost, especially in alloyed grades, due to extraction and processing complexity.

Winner: For budget-conscious corrosion-resistant needs → Hastelloy B2

Industry Applications Side by Side