Nickel

Nickel (Ni) metal element in gray-white color in the VIII group of the periodic table. The largest nickel deposits on earth are in Canada. Naturally, it is found in sulfur and arsenic cobalt and iron ores as nicolite (NiAs) and milerite (NiS) alloys. Pentlandite, the major ore, is found within the pyrotitis (FeS). It is produced by reducing the oxide obtained by roasting ore with carbon monoxide and purification by electrolysis method. It is a hard and ferromagnetic metal. It is resistant to air and water. Although it is slow affected by acids, it is highly affected by dilute nitric acid. Concentrated nitric acid passivates nickel. It falls into the composition of many alloys. Nickel-chrome alloys are resistant to oxidation at high temperatures and are used as heaters in electrical furnaces. Nickel plates are used as anode in electrical plating works and powder nickel as a catalyst in hydrogenation process. Nickel is also used in the production of coin and iron-nickel Edison accumulators. Nickel (2) sulfate (NiSO4.7H2O), which is a salt given with sulfuric acid, is green in color and is used as an electrolyte in the nickel plating bath.

USAGE:

It is used to obtain corrosion resistant alloys, especially stainless steel. Tubes made of copper-nickel alloys are used in facilities where fresh water is obtained from sea water. It is also used in the production of coins, nickel-cadmium batteries and armor coatings. Nickel plating protects other metals. Due to its corrosion resistance, it is also preferred in electroplated coating processes.