What Type of Alloy Is Hastelloy?

In the world of extreme industrial environments, corrosion is a persistent and costly enemy. Whether it’s in chemical processing, marine engineering, or power generation, materials must withstand aggressive chemicals, high temperatures, and challenging pressure conditions. Hastelloy is one such alloy designed to thrive in these extreme environments. But what exactly is Hastelloy? What type of alloy is it, and why is it trusted by engineers and plant operators across industries?

This article explores what type of alloy Hastelloy is, its chemical makeup, grades, properties, and why it has become a benchmark material for critical applications worldwide.

Introduction to Hastelloy

Hastelloy is a trademark name for a family of corrosion-resistant metal alloys produced by Haynes International. The name itself is synonymous with performance in harsh conditions. Hastelloy alloys are primarily based on nickel, with various combinations of molybdenum, iron, chromium, cobalt, and other elements to enhance specific properties.

Hastelloy is not a single alloy but a series of superalloys developed for optimal performance in oxidizing and reducing environments.

What Type of Alloy Is Hastelloy?

Hastelloy Is a Nickel-Based Superalloy

At its core, Hastelloy is a nickel-based corrosion-resistant alloy, meaning nickel is the primary element. It falls under the category of superalloys—high-performance alloys engineered for extreme mechanical strength and resistance to chemical degradation.

Unlike stainless steels, which may corrode in some aggressive environments, Hastelloy maintains integrity even in boiling acids, concentrated chlorides, or high-pressure reactors.

Subtypes and Families of Hastelloy

Hastelloy is typically divided into two primary groups:

  • Hastelloy C series: Designed for strong oxidizing and reducing conditions
    (e.g., Hastelloy C-22, C-276)

  • Hastelloy B series: Optimized for reducing environments, especially hydrochloric acid
    (e.g., Hastelloy B-2, B-3)

Each alloy in the Hastelloy family is tailored with varying amounts of molybdenum, chromium, iron, and cobalt, depending on the intended environment.

Chemical Composition Overview

Here is a simplified look at the chemical composition of some common Hastelloy grades:

Grade Nickel (Ni) Molybdenum (Mo) Chromium (Cr) Iron (Fe) Other Elements
C-276 >57% 15-17% 14.5-16.5% 4-7% W, Co, Mn
C-22 Balance 13% 20-22.5% 2-6% Fe, W, Co
B-2 Balance 26-30% <1% <2% Co, Mn
B-3 Balance 28.5% 1.5% max 1-2% Co, Al

These elements combine to offer exceptional resistance to a wide range of corrosive media, including acids, salts, chlorides, and oxidizing agents.

Key Properties of Hastelloy Alloys

  1. Excellent Corrosion Resistance

    • Resistant to pitting, stress corrosion cracking, crevice corrosion, and intergranular attack.

  2. Versatile in Chemical Processing

    • Performs well in both oxidizing and reducing chemical environments.

  3. High-Temperature Strength

    • Some grades, like C-22 and C-276, maintain strength and corrosion resistance at elevated temperatures.

  4. Weldability

    • Hastelloy can be welded with standard techniques, maintaining corrosion resistance at the welded joints.

  5. Low Carbon Content

    • Minimizes carbide precipitation during welding and reduces intergranular corrosion.

Applications of Hastelloy Alloys

Due to its superior performance, Hastelloy is widely used in:

  • Chemical processing plants
    Tanks, reactors, heat exchangers, scrubbers

  • Marine industry
    Seawater piping systems, offshore platforms

  • Pharmaceuticals
    Process vessels, mixing equipment

  • Aerospace and defense
    Engine components, exhaust systems

  • Pollution control
    Scrubbers, flue gas desulfurization units

  • Nuclear reactors
    Fuel reprocessing equipment

The ability of Hastelloy to perform under both oxidizing and reducing conditions makes it highly versatile in diverse environments.

Comparing Hastelloy With Other Alloys

Property Hastelloy Stainless Steel Inconel
Base Metal Nickel Iron Nickel
Acid Resistance Excellent Moderate Good
Chloride Resistance High Low to Moderate Moderate
High-Temperature Resistance High Moderate High
Cost High Low to Moderate High

Hastelloy offers a combination of resistance and strength that outperforms stainless steels and even some other nickel alloys in specific environments.

Common Hastelloy Grades and Their Use

Hastelloy C-276

  • Most versatile alloy in the family

  • Resistant to oxidizing and reducing agents

  • Excellent for wastewater treatment, pulp and paper bleaching, chemical reactors

Hastelloy C-22

  • Higher chromium content for better resistance to oxidizers

  • Ideal for marine environments, scrubbers, and oxidizing acid solutions

Hastelloy B-2 and B-3

  • Best for pure reducing environments (e.g., hydrochloric acid)

  • Should not be used in oxidizing conditions

Each grade has a niche application, and the right selection depends on the chemical environment and temperature profile.

Why Choose Hastelloy From sasaalloy

When selecting Hastelloy for your industrial project, quality, documentation, and material traceability are essential. At sasaalloy, we supply:

  • Certified Hastelloy C-276, C-22, B-2, B-3 bars, plates, tubes

  • Competitive pricing with full traceability

  • Custom cutting and fabrication

  • Fast international shipping

  • Technical support for alloy selection

Whether your application is in chemical processing or marine environments, sasaalloy ensures you get reliable, corrosion-resistant materials backed by experience and service.

Conclusion

So, what type of alloy is Hastelloy? Hastelloy is a nickel-based corrosion-resistant superalloy, known for its exceptional resistance to acids, chlorides, and extreme environments. It is widely used in industries where ordinary stainless steel fails. With a broad range of grades like C-276, C-22, and B-series alloys, Hastelloy provides performance where reliability is critical.

If your operation involves harsh chemical exposure, high temperatures, or marine conditions, Hastelloy is one of the best alloy families to choose. For high-quality supply, expert guidance, and on-time delivery, sasaalloy is your trusted partner in specialty alloys.

Post time: Aug-05-2025