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Hastelloy C4 vs C276: What’s the Difference

Hastelloy C4 vs C276

If you’re looking for a reliable material for your industrial needs, Hastelloy is an excellent option. It is highly resistant to corrosion and a wide range of acids, making it ideal for many applications. Two of the most popular grades of Hastelloy are C4 and C276. Let’s look at what makes these two grades different from one another.

Hastelloy C4

Hastelloy C4 is an iron-based alloy that offers good corrosion resistance in oxidizing and reducing environments. This grade of Hastelloy is commonly used in chemical processing applications where high temperatures are encountered (up to 1300°F). It also offers good strength and toughness, and corrosion resistance properties.

Hastelloy C276

Hastelloy C276 is an alloy made predominantly of nickel and molybdenum with chromium as the primary additive element. The presence of chromium gives this grade of Hastelloy excellent oxidation resistance in addition to its superior corrosion resistance properties. Additionally, it has excellent weldability, making it well-suited for fabrication projects where welding may be required.

C276 can be used in temperatures ranging from cryogenic (-320°F) to 1800°F. It also exhibits good strength at elevated temperatures and good ductility during cold working operations such as bending or forming. These qualities make it ideally suited for applications requiring high-temperature strength, such as turbine blades or exhaust systems.

Differences Between Hastelloy C4 and C276

Chemical Composition

The first difference between Hastelloy C4 and C276 is their chemical composition. Hastelloy C4 contains less carbon than C276, giving it better corrosion resistance in high-temperature environments. Additionally, C4 has a higher chromium content than C276, which provides it with better oxidation resistance.

Mechanical Properties

The second difference between these two alloys is their mechanical properties. Hastelloy C4 has a higher yield strength than C276, meaning it can withstand more force before deforming. Additionally, C4 has a higher melting point than C276, meaning it can withstand higher temperatures before melting.

Fabrication Methods

The third difference between Hastelloy C4 and C276 is their fabrication methods. Hastelloy C4 can be fabricated using standard methods such as welding and machining. However, due to its high carbon content, C276 is unsuitable for welding and must be machined using special techniques.

Corrosion Resistance

The fourth difference between these two alloys is their corrosion resistance. Both alloys are highly resistant to corrosion in most environments. However, Hastelloy C4 is particularly resistant to corrosion in high-temperature environments, while C276 is more resistant to corrosion in acidic environments.

Cost

The fifth difference between Hastelloy C4 and C276 is their cost. Hastelloy C4 is typically less expensive than C276 due to its lower carbon content and more straightforward fabrication requirements. However, both alloys are relatively costly compared to other metals and alloys.

Applications

The absolute difference between these two alloys is their applications. Hastelloy C4 is typically used in high-temperature environments such as power plants and chemical processing plants. Meanwhile, due to its superior resistance to corrosion in acidic environments, C276 is often used in the chemical industry and for storage tanks.

Conclusion:

When choosing between Hastelloy C4 or C276, it’s essential to consider the application requirements such as temperature range, weldability, and corrosion resistance needs that the material selection must meet. While both grades offer excellent performance characteristics, they have significant differences that should be considered when selecting a grade for your application needs. Ultimately, the right choice will depend on your specific requirements, but rest assured that either grade will perform exceptionally well in almost any application with extreme conditions.

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