Hastelloy C276 (UNS N10276): The Gold Standard of Corrosion-Resistant Nickel-Molybdenum-Chromium Alloy—Technical Profile, Applications & 2025 Pricing Analysis

Product Details

1. Core Identity: Standards & Equivalent Grades

Hastelloy C276’s global recognition stems from its alignment with stringent international standards, ensuring consistency and interchangeability across critical applications:

Key Standards:
- ASTM/ASME: B575 (sheets/plates), B574 (bars/rods), B619 (seamless pipes), B366 (forgings);
- European: EN 10095 (2.4819), EN 10216-5 (pipes), DIN 17750;
- ISO: ISO 6208 (N10276);
- Japanese: JIS G4902 (NCF276), JIS G3464 (pipes).

Equivalent Grades Cross-Reference:

Designation System	Grade Identifier	Key Distinction
UNS	N10276	Global alloy designation for corrosion resistance
EN/DIN	2.4819/NiMo16Cr15W	European harmonized grade for chemical service
ASTM	Hastelloy C276	Trade name for extreme corrosion resistance
JIS	NCF276	Japanese equivalent for acid processing equipment
French	NC17D2	National standard for industrial chemistry

A defining trait: Unlike many nickel alloys, Hastelloy C276 contains no carbide stabilizers, eliminating the risk of intergranular corrosion and simplifying welding (no post-weld heat treatment required).

2. Chemical Composition: The Science of Extreme Corrosion Resistance

Hastelloy C276’s alloying system is precision-engineered to combat a broad spectrum of corrosive media. Its unique blend of nickel, molybdenum, and tungsten creates a microstructure resistant to pitting, crevice corrosion, and stress corrosion cracking (SCC). Chemical composition (mass fraction, %; per ASTM B575):

Element	Content Range	Typical Value	Core Function
Nickel (Ni)	57.00–63.00%	60.00%	Base metal; provides ductility and stability in corrosive environments
Chromium (Cr)	14.50–16.50%	15.50%	Resists oxidation and oxidizing acids (e.g., nitric acid); forms protective Cr₂O₃ film
Molybdenum (Mo)	15.00–17.00%	16.00%	Enhances resistance to reducing acids (e.g., hydrochloric acid) and chloride pitting
Tungsten (W)	3.00–4.50%	3.75%	Synergizes with molybdenum to boost crevice corrosion resistance; improves wear resistance
Iron (Fe)	4.00–7.00%	5.50%	Balances cost and fabricability without compromising corrosion resistance
Cobalt (Co)	≤2.50%	1.00%	Enhances high-temperature strength; controlled to avoid reducing corrosion resistance
Carbon (C)	≤0.010%	0.005%	Minimized to prevent carbide precipitation and intergranular corrosion
Manganese (Mn)	≤1.00%	0.50%	Improves weld fusion and formability
Silicon (Si)	≤0.08%	0.04%	Strictly limited to avoid reducing resistance to strong acids
Phosphorus (P)	≤0.040%	0.015%	Controlled to prevent brittleness and corrosion susceptibility
Sulfur (S)	≤0.030%	0.005%	Minimized to prevent hot cracking during welding and pitting corrosion

This composition makes Hastelloy C276 resistant to nearly all organic and inorganic acids (sulfuric, hydrochloric, acetic), chlorides (seawater, brines), and industrial chemicals—even in concentrated or high-temperature forms.

3. Mechanical & Physical Properties: Balancing Strength & Corrosion Resistance

Hastelloy C276 delivers reliable mechanical performance in both room-temperature and moderately high-temperature corrosive environments. Typical properties (annealed state, per ASTM B575):

3.1 Room-Temperature Mechanical Properties

Performance Indicator	Specification	Typical Value	Test Standard
Yield Strength (Rp0.2, MPa)	≥275	310	ASTM E8
Tensile Strength (Rm, MPa)	690–900	790	ASTM E8
Elongation (A50mm, %)	≥40	45	ASTM E8
Brinell Hardness (HB)	≤217	190	ASTM E10
Impact Energy (CVN, J, 20°C)	≥120	140	ASTM E23

3.2 High-Temperature Mechanical Properties

Temperature (°C)	Yield Strength (Rp0.2, MPa)	Tensile Strength (Rm, MPa)	Creep Rupture Strength (1000h, MPa)
500	240	650	180
700	180	480	90
1000	60	220	25

3.3 Physical Properties

Density: 8.89 g/cm³;
Melting Point Range: 1325–1370°C;
Thermal Conductivity: 11.8 W/m·K (20°C); 19.1 W/m·K (600°C);
Thermal Expansion Coefficient: 12.8×10⁻⁶/°C (20–500°C); 15.1×10⁻⁶/°C (500–1000°C);
Electrical Conductivity: 7.0% IACS (20°C);
Service Temperature Range: -270°C to 1095°C (continuous); 1200°C (short-term);
Magnetic Permeability: ≤1.01 (non-magnetic at all temperatures).

4. Product Forms & Surface Treatments

Hastelloy C276 is supplied in diverse product forms to suit extreme corrosion applications:

4.1 Core Product Forms & Dimensional Ranges

Product Form	Dimensional Range	Typical Applications
Sheets/Plates	Thickness: 0.4–100mm; Width: 1000–4000mm; Length: 2000–12000mm	Chemical reactor shells, tank liners
Seamless Pipes/Tubes	OD: 6–630mm; Wall Thickness: 0.8–25mm; Length: 3–12m	Acid transport lines, heat exchanger tubes
Bars/Rods	Diameter: 6–300mm (round); Side: 10–100mm (square/hex); Length: 3–6m	Valve stems, fasteners, pump shafts
Forgings	Custom shapes (flanges, nozzles, impellers)	Oil & gas wellhead components, chemical pumps
Welding Consumables	Wire (ERNiCrMo-4), electrodes (ENiCrMo-4)	On-site fabrication and corrosion-resistant repairs

4.2 Surface Finishes & Heat Treatment

Standard Heat Treatment: Annealing at 1150–1200°C (water/air cooling) – Refines grain structure, restores ductility, and optimizes corrosion resistance;
Surface Finishes:
- Annealed & Pickled: Acid-washed (nitric-hydrofluoric) to remove oxide scale (critical for maximizing corrosion resistance);
- Shot Blasted: Sa 2.5 standard (preparation for chemical-resistant coatings);
- Polished: For sanitary applications (e.g., pharmaceutical equipment) or low-friction environments.

5. Production Process & Quality Control

Hastelloy C276 requires ultra-precision manufacturing to ensure uniform corrosion resistance and structural integrity:

Raw Material Preparation: High-purity nickel, molybdenum, chromium, and tungsten alloys (certified for low impurities like sulfur and phosphorus);
Smelting: Vacuum Induction Melting (VIM) + Vacuum Arc Remelting (VAR) – Ensures chemical uniformity, removes gases (O₂, H₂), and eliminates inclusions (critical for corrosion resistance);
Continuous Casting: Molten alloy cast into slabs/billets; homogenization annealing (1200°C for 8 hours) to eliminate segregation;
Hot Working: Heated to 1100–1180°C; hot-rolled or forged to target shape; controlled cooling to prevent grain coarsening;
Cold Working: For precision parts (e.g., thin-walled tubes); intermediate annealing to maintain ductility;
Final Annealing: 1150–1200°C (water cooling) – Locks in corrosion-resistant microstructure;
Quality Inspection (Mandatory):

Chemical Testing: Spectrometric analysis (ASTM E1086) to verify alloy composition (especially molybdenum and tungsten levels);
Mechanical Testing: Tensile, impact, and hardness tests (per batch); creep rupture testing (for high-temperature applications);
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT):
- Ultrasonic Testing (UT): 100% inspection for internal flaws (ASTM A609);
- Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT): Surface flaw detection (ASTM E165);
- Radiographic Testing (RT): Weld joint inspection (ASTM E94);
Material Test Report (MTR): ASTM A479 3.1 or 3.2 certification (mandatory for critical corrosion applications).

6. Core Applications: Conquering Extreme Corrosion

Hastelloy C276’s unmatched corrosion resistance makes it the material of choice for sectors where failure could lead to catastrophic environmental or financial losses:

6.1 Chemical & Pharmaceutical Industry

Key Applications: Sulfuric acid production equipment, hydrochloric acid storage tanks, pharmaceutical reactors, and acetic acid distillation columns;
Rationale: Resists concentrated acids (even at elevated temperatures), organic solvents, and aggressive chemical intermediates. A case study: A chemical plant using C276 for sulfuric acid coolers reported zero corrosion after 8 years of service, vs. 1–2 years for 316L stainless steel.

6.2 Oil & Gas Industry

Key Applications: Offshore wellhead components, subsea pipelines, acidizing equipment, and natural gas processing plants;
Rationale: Withstands seawater corrosion, chloride-rich brines, and sour gas (H₂S) environments; resistant to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) in high-pressure wells.

6.3 Environmental & Waste Treatment

Key Applications: Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) systems, waste incinerator liners, and industrial wastewater treatment equipment;
Rationale: Resists acidic flue gases, chlorides, and molten ash—critical for reducing emissions in power plants and waste facilities.

6.4 Aerospace & Defense

Key Applications: Rocket motor casings, aircraft exhaust systems, and satellite components;
Rationale: Combines corrosion resistance with high-temperature strength; withstands rocket propellants and atmospheric corrosion in extreme altitudes.

6.5 Other Critical Sectors

Marine Engineering: Seawater cooling systems, offshore platform components (resists saltwater pitting and crevice corrosion);
Nuclear Industry: Nuclear fuel reprocessing equipment (resists radioactive chemical media).

7. 2025 Pricing Analysis: Market Dynamics & Procurement Insights

Hastelloy C276’s pricing reflects its premium alloy content (high molybdenum and tungsten), complex manufacturing, and niche corrosion-resistant applications. Below is the latest Q4 2025 market data and key drivers:

7.1 Global Price Ranges (by Product Form)

Market Region	Product Specification	Price Range (USD/kg)	Notes
Chinese Domestic (Ex-Works)	10mm Plate (Annealed/Pickled)	120–140	ASTM B575; 3.1 MTR; bulk order (≥5 tons)
Chinese Export (FOB Shanghai)	25mm Bar (Round, Annealed)	140–160	ASTM B574; VAR quality; minimum order: 10 tons
US Market (Delivered)	1.0mm Sheet (Cold-Rolled)	170–190	ASME B575; 3.2 MTR; includes import duties (15%) and logistics
European Market (Delivered)	50×4mm Seamless Pipe	190–220	EN 2.4819; CE certified; includes VAT (20%)
Global (Custom Forgings)	Oil & Gas-Grade Flanges	230–270	Per unit weight; NACE MR0175 certification + third-party testing

7.2 Key Pricing Drivers

Alloy Content Volatility: Molybdenum (25–30% of costs) and tungsten (15–20% of costs) are more price-volatile than nickel. With LME molybdenum at ~$30,000/ton (Q4 2025) and tungsten at ~$45,000/ton, a 10% increase in molybdenum prices raises C276 plate costs by $8–$10/kg.
Production Complexity: VIM/VAR melting adds 30–35% to costs vs. standard EAF melting; custom forgings cost 50–70% more than standard products.
Certifications: NACE MR0175 (oil & gas) or pharmaceutical-grade (ISO 13485) certifications add 30–35% vs. industrial-grade; 3.2 MTR costs 15–20% more than 3.1 MTR.
Order Volume: Bulk orders (≥20 tons) unlock 15–20% discounts; small orders (<5 tons) incur 12–18% premiums.
Product Form: Seamless pipes cost 40–50% more than plates; thin sheets (<2mm) cost 35–40% more than thick plates (>10mm).

7.3 Procurement Optimization Strategies

Bulk Purchasing: Partner with manufacturers for project-wide orders (e.g., chemical plant retrofits) to secure volume discounts and stable pricing.
Regional Sourcing: Chinese manufacturers offer 35–40% cost savings vs. Western suppliers (US/Europe) with equivalent ASTM/EN compliance and VAR/VIM quality.
Standard Specifications: Opt for common sizes (10mm plates, 25mm bars) to avoid custom production premiums (20–25%).
Grade Right-Sizing: Use Hastelloy C276 only for extreme corrosion (e.g., concentrated acids, chlorides); for milder environments, choose Inconel 625 (20–25% cheaper) or 316L (70–80% cheaper) to reduce costs.
Long-Term Contracts: Annual supply agreements hedge against molybdenum/tungsten price fluctuations and ensure priority delivery for critical projects.

8. Supply Chain & Value-Added Services

Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ):
- Plates/sheets: 5 tons (standard sizes); 10 tons (custom thicknesses);
- Bars/pipes: 10 tons (standard); 20 tons (custom dimensions);
- Forgings: 1 ton (small parts); 5 tons (large components).
Delivery Lead Time:
- Stock products (10mm plates, 25mm bars): 4–6 weeks (ex-works China);
- Custom products: 8–10 weeks;
- Oil & gas/nuclear grades: 14–16 weeks (additional certification time).
Packaging: Seaworthy export packaging – plates/sheets (moisture-proof film + wooden crates); pipes/bars (anti-rust oil + plastic caps + steel bundles); forgings (custom crates with anti-vibration padding);
Value-Added Services:
- Precision cutting (laser, waterjet) to custom dimensions (tolerance ±0.1mm);
- Welding support: Technical guidelines + matching consumables (ERNiCrMo-4);
- Corrosion testing: Salt spray (ASTM B117) and acid immersion testing for critical applications;
- Third-party testing (SGS/BV/TÜV) for NACE MR0175 or ISO 13485 compliance;
- Technical consulting: Material selection, corrosion life calculation, and chemical environment compatibility analysis.
Global Supply Hubs: Core production bases in China (Jiangsu, Shanghai), US (Pennsylvania, Ohio), Germany, and Japan; key loading ports: Shanghai, Tianjin, Houston, Hamburg.

9. Conclusion

Hastelloy C276 (UNS N10276) stands unrivaled as the premier corrosion-resistant nickel alloy, delivering unmatched performance in the world’s harshest chemical environments. Its unique composition, absence of intergranular corrosion risk, and compliance with global standards make it irreplaceable in critical sectors like chemical processing, oil & gas, and environmental engineering.

While its premium pricing (8–10x higher than 304 stainless steel) reflects its specialized alloying (high molybdenum/tungsten) and complex manufacturing, the 5–10x longer service life and elimination of corrosion-related downtime justify the investment for high-value applications. In 2025, strategic sourcing (bulk orders, Chinese suppliers) and grade right-sizing can optimize costs without compromising performance.

Backed by a mature global supply chain, strict quality control, and decades of proven performance, Hastelloy C276 remains the gold standard for engineers and operators seeking reliable, long-lasting solutions in extreme corrosion environments. For applications where conventional materials fail, it delivers a level of durability and peace of mind that few alloys can match.