Nickel, a lustrous, silvery-white metal, boasts a density of 8.9 g/cm³, a melting point of 1455°C, and a boiling point of 2915°C. Renowned for its robust mechanical strength, malleability, and exceptional resistance to corrosion, nickel is a material of choice in a myriad of industrial applications. When exposed to humid air at room temperature, nickel forms a dense oxide layer that shields the underlying metal from further oxidation. Its reaction with various acids and alkaline solutions is notably sluggish, with dilute nitric acid dissolving nickel slowly, while concentrated nitric acid can passivate its surface, enhancing its corrosion resistance. Nickel's affinity for hydrogen is akin to that of platinum and palladium, capable of absorbing substantial quantities, especially when in fine particulate form. Nickel sulfate and nickel chloride are among the common nickel salts.
Nickel is classified as a siderophile element, with nearly 60 naturally occurring minerals, of which approximately 10 possess industrial significance. These include pentlandite, millerite, and garnierite, among others. Nickel deposits are categorized based on their sulfur content, with primary, mixed, and oxide ores being the main types. Nickel sulfide ores are further divided into high-grade, medium-grade, and low-grade, with the latter two requiring mineral separation processes to produce nickel concentrate before smelting. High-grade ore, however, can be smelted directly.
Nickel powder serves as a critical raw material in various sectors. Its primary use is in the production of stainless steel and high-nickel alloy steel, which are integral to the construction of military equipment such as aircraft, missiles, and naval vessels, as well as nuclear reactors. In the civilian domain, nickel is essential for crafting acid-resistant and heat-resistant steels used across diverse machinery manufacturing industries, including the oil sector. When alloyed with elements like chromium, copper, and aluminum, nickel forms non-ferrous alloys and nickel-based superalloys, which are indispensable for high-temperature applications like jet turbines and resistance heating elements. Additionally, nickel finds use in ceramic pigments, anticorrosive coatings, permanent magnetic materials, and as a hydrogenation catalyst in the chemical industry.
China is endowed with abundant nickel resources, with proven reserves spread across 18 provinces and autonomous regions. The distribution is primarily concentrated in the northwest, southwest, and northeast. Notably, the Jinchuan nickel mine in Gansu alone constitutes 63.9% of the nation's total reserves, with significant deposits also found in Xinjiang and Huangshan. Copper sulfide nickel ores dominate, comprising 86% of China's reserves, followed by nickel laterite at 9.6%. High-grade nickel sulfide ores, averaging over 1% nickel content, represent approximately 44.1% of the total reserves. The country's nickel exploration is relatively advanced, with explored reserves making up 74% of the total. While underground mining accounts for 68% of nickel extraction, only 13% is amenable to open-pit mining. In comparison to countries with rich, high-grade ores like New Caledonia and Indonesia, China's oxidized nickel ores are less abundant and competitive due to their lower grade.
While the article provides a snapshot of nickel's properties and uses, there are several intriguing statistics and trends in the nickel industry that are less commonly discussed:
In conclusion, nickel's unique properties and its critical role in modern technology and industry underscore the importance of this versatile metal. As the demand for nickel continues to grow, especially in the burgeoning EV market, the exploration, extraction, and recycling of this valuable resource will remain a key focus for economies worldwide.
The application of tungsten in various industries
Steel Industry Most of tungsten applied in the production of special steels. The widely used high-speed steel was containing 9-24% of tungsten, 3.8-4.6% of chromium, 1-5% of vanadium, 4-7% of cobalt, 0.7-1.5% of carbon.
Magic effects of coconut oil
According to records, coconut oil can be regarded as the nobility of skin care plant extracts. It was rich in exotic tension of tropical plants, which can enhance the contractile force of the pores, perfectly beautify and nourish the skin.
Exploring the Potentials of Nano-Aluminum Powder
Nano-aluminum powder, a material with remarkable properties due to its minuscule particle size, is revolutionizing various industries with its high reactivity and large specific surface area. Unlike its bulk counterpart, nano-aluminum powder begins to oxidize at a lower temperature of 550°C, compared to the 950°C oxidation point of ordinary aluminum. This lower ignition energy and full combustion without apparent cohesion make it a superior choice for applications requiring high energy and efficiency. The unique characteristics of nano-aluminum powder, such as faster burning rates and greater heat release, are largely influenced by its synthesis method, which determines its particle size, surface area, and shape.
