What Is Alloy 20: Properties, Applications, and Advantages

In the world of corrosion-resistant materials, Alloy 20 stands out as a high-performance metal designed to perform in harsh chemical environments. But what is Alloy 20, and why is it widely used in industries like chemical processing, pharmaceuticals, and food production?

In this article, we will explore the composition, properties, applications, and benefits of Alloy 20. As a trusted supplier of corrosion-resistant metals, sakysteel provides high-quality Alloy 20 products tailored to industry needs.

What Is Alloy 20?

Alloy 20, also known as Carpenter 20 or UNS N08020, is a nickel-iron-chromium alloy with additions of copper and molybdenum. It was developed specifically to resist sulfuric acid corrosion, but it also performs exceptionally well in other aggressive environments.

Although it is sometimes categorized with stainless steels, Alloy 20’s composition and performance bring it closer to superalloys in terms of strength and corrosion resistance.

Chemical Composition of Alloy 20

The typical composition of Alloy 20 includes:

• Nickel (Ni): 32–38%

• Chromium (Cr): 19–21%

• Iron (Fe): Balance

• Copper (Cu): 3–4%

• Molybdenum (Mo): 2–3%

• Other elements: Small amounts of manganese, carbon, silicon, phosphorus, and sulfur

This unique blend provides superior resistance to corrosion, especially in acidic and chloride-containing environments.

Key Properties of Alloy 20

• Excellent corrosion resistance in sulfuric, nitric, phosphoric, and chlorides

• Good mechanical strength and fabricability

• Resistant to pitting and crevice corrosion

• Strong resistance to stress corrosion cracking

• Can be welded and formed easily

• Non-magnetic in the annealed condition

Thanks to these properties, Alloy 20 offers a reliable solution where 304 or 316 stainless steels are not sufficient.

Common Applications of Alloy 20

Alloy 20 is used in industries that deal with aggressive acids and chemicals, including:

• Chemical and petrochemical processing

• Sulfuric acid plants

• Pharmaceutical production

• Food and beverage processing equipment

• Heat exchangers and condensers

• Storage tanks, piping, and pump components

sakysteel supplies a wide range of Alloy 20 products such as bars, plates, pipes, and flanges to global industrial customers who demand reliability in corrosive settings.

Alloy 20 vs Stainless Steel

While stainless steel grades like 304 and 316 offer corrosion resistance, they are not always suitable for high-chloride or high-acid applications.

In applications involving sulfuric acid or high chlorides, Alloy 20 is often the safer and more cost-effective choice in the long run, despite the higher initial cost.

Forms of Alloy 20 Available at sakysteel

At sakysteel, we provide a variety of Alloy 20 product forms, including:

• Alloy 20 sheets and plates – for fabrication and welding

• Alloy 20 round bars – used in machining and structural components

• Alloy 20 pipes and tubing – ideal for fluid systems

• Alloy 20 fittings and flanges – for chemical process lines

All materials are produced according to ASTM B463, B473, B729, and other relevant international standards.

Conclusion

To answer the question “What is Alloy 20?” — it is a high-performance nickel-based alloy designed to offer superior resistance to corrosion, especially in sulfuric acid environments. With excellent mechanical properties and versatility, it has become the material of choice for demanding chemical and industrial applications.

Whether you need corrosion-resistant piping or durable structural components, sakysteel offers dependable Alloy 20 solutions backed by technical expertise and global delivery.

Contact sakysteel today to learn more about how Alloy 20 can enhance the performance and durability of your critical systems.