Hastelloy C-22

A nickel-chromium-molybdenum-tungsten superalloy engineered for exceptional resistance to mixed acid corrosion, localized attack, and thermal degradation. Ideal for CNC-machined components in highly corrosive industrial environments.

Introduction to Hastelloy C-22

Hastelloy C-22 is a highly versatile corrosion-resistant alloy composed primarily of nickel, chromium, molybdenum, and tungsten. It offers superior protection against both oxidizing and reducing environments, including wet chlorine gas, ferric and cupric chlorides, nitric acid, and seawater. Its broad-spectrum corrosion resistance makes it the material of choice for critical components in chemical processing, waste treatment, and marine applications.

This alloy is particularly valuable in CNC machining for parts that must maintain high dimensional stability, mechanical integrity, and resistance to pitting, crevice attack, and stress corrosion cracking—especially in highly aggressive or mixed-media chemical environments.


Chemical, Physical, and Mechanical Properties of Hastelloy C-22

Hastelloy C-22 (UNS N06022 / ASTM B575 / B564 / B619 / B622 / B626) is a wrought nickel-base alloy known for its corrosion resistance and metallurgical stability. It offers improved performance over Hastelloy C-276 and C-4, especially in oxidizing environments.

Chemical Composition (Typical)

Element

Composition Range (wt.%)

Key Role

Nickel (Ni)

Balance (≥56.0)

Provides base corrosion resistance across various chemistries

Chromium (Cr)

20.0–22.5

Key to resisting oxidizing agents such as nitric acid

Molybdenum (Mo)

12.5–14.5

Enhances resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion

Iron (Fe)

2.0–6.0

Increases mechanical strength

Tungsten (W)

2.5–3.5

Contributes to localized corrosion resistance

Cobalt (Co)

≤2.5

Controlled for consistency

Carbon (C)

≤0.015

Minimizes carbide precipitation during welding

Manganese (Mn)

≤0.5

Aids hot forming

Silicon (Si)

≤0.08

Low content for intergranular corrosion resistance

Sulfur (S)

≤0.02

Controlled to prevent cracking during CNC and welding


Physical Properties

Property

Value (Typical)

Test Standard/Condition

Density

8.69 g/cm³

ASTM B311

Melting Range

1350–1400°C

ASTM E1268

Thermal Conductivity

9.7 W/m·K at 100°C

ASTM E1225

Electrical Resistivity

1.20 µΩ·m at 20°C

ASTM B193

Thermal Expansion

12.3 µm/m·°C (20–300°C)

ASTM E228

Specific Heat Capacity

390 J/kg·K at 20°C

ASTM E1269

Elastic Modulus

205 GPa at 20°C

ASTM E111


Mechanical Properties (Annealed Condition)

Property

Value (Typical)

Test Standard

Tensile Strength

690–760 MPa

ASTM E8/E8M

Yield Strength (0.2%)

275–345 MPa

ASTM E8/E8M

Elongation

≥45% (25mm gauge)

ASTM E8/E8M

Hardness

180–220 HB

ASTM E10

Impact Toughness

Excellent at sub-zero and ambient temperatures

ASTM E23


Key Characteristics of Hastelloy C-22

  • Broad-Spectrum Corrosion Resistance: Withstands mixed acid systems and oxidizing-reducing conditions, outperforming C-276 in environments like 70% nitric acid with chloride ions.

  • Resistance to Localized Attack: Pitting resistance equivalent number (PREN) >50; corrosion rates <0.02 mm/year in ferric chloride and >6% hydrochloric acid.

  • Thermal Stability: Resistant to sensitization and grain boundary precipitation from prolonged thermal exposure between 600–1040°C.

  • Precision Machining: Ideal for CNC applications requiring tolerances of ±0.01 mm and surface finishes <Ra 0.8 µm.


CNC Machining Challenges and Solutions for Hastelloy C-22

Machining Challenges

Work Hardening

  • High strain-hardening rate (n ≈ 0.35) necessitates deep, consistent cuts to avoid excessive surface hardness and chatter.

Low Thermal Conductivity

  • Results in high heat accumulation at the cutting zone (up to 600–800°C), shortening tool life under dry or flood-only coolant conditions.

Chip Control

  • Chips are tough and stringy, increasing the risk of tool entanglement and poor surface finish without chip breakers.


Optimized Machining Strategies

Tool Selection

Parameter

Recommendation

Rationale

Tool Material

PVD-coated carbide (K20–K30) or ceramic inserts

Maintain edge hardness at >700°C cutting temp

Coating

AlTiN or AlCrN (3–5 µm)

Reduces thermal wear and friction

Geometry

Positive rake (10–12°), edge honed to 0.02–0.05 mm

Balances sharpness and chip control

Cutting Parameters (ISO 3685)

Operation

Speed (m/min)

Feed (mm/rev)

DOC (mm)

Coolant Pressure (bar)

Roughing

10–18

0.20–0.30

2.0–3.0

100–120

Finishing

20–35

0.05–0.10

0.5–1.0

120–150


Surface Treatment for Machined Hastelloy C-22 Parts

Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP)

HIP at 100–200 MPa and 1150°C enhances fatigue strength by up to 30% and reduces microvoids in cast or additively manufactured parts.

Heat Treatment

Heat Treatment at 1120°C ±10°C followed by rapid cooling prevents intermetallic phase formation and ensures long-term corrosion resistance in HCl + HNO₃ media.

Superalloy Welding

Superalloy Welding uses GTAW with ERNiCrMo-10 filler and heat input <1.5 kJ/mm, ensuring post-weld corrosion rates remain <0.02 mm/year.

Thermal Barrier Coating (TBC)

TBC Coating up to 250 µm thick protects CNC components from acidic vapor and cyclic heat loads above 800°C.

Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM)

EDM provides tolerances down to ±0.005 mm and Ra <0.6 µm in complex internal geometries.

Deep Hole Drilling

Deep Hole Drilling enables L/D ratios of 30:1 in reactor tube sheets and scrubber components using internal coolant delivery.

Material Testing and Analysis

Material Testing includes ASTM G28 corrosion tests, intergranular attack (ASTM A262 Prac. C), tensile (ASTM E8), and hardness validation (ASTM E18).


Industry Applications of Hastelloy C-22 Components

Chemical Process Industry

  • Pumps, valves, and fittings exposed to chlorinated solvents, nitric-hydrofluoric acid blends, and mixed acid gas streams.

Waste Treatment and Pollution Control

  • Components in thermal oxidizers, incineration scrubbers, and hazardous waste reactors are exposed to both oxidizing and reducing species.

Marine and Offshore

  • Acid-resistant components in desalination plants, marine scrubbers, and chemical cargo handling systems.

Pharmaceutical and Food Equipment

  • Ultra-clean and non-contaminating flow control parts are used in aggressive sterilization and chemical clean-in-place (CIP) cycles.


FAQs

  1. What is the typical lead time for CNC-machined Hastelloy C-22 components?

  2. How does Hastelloy C-22 perform in multi-phase chemical environments?

  3. What tolerances and surface finishes can be achieved for Hastelloy C-22 CNC parts?

  4. Are there special design considerations for welding or joining Hastelloy C-22 parts?

  5. What documentation and quality assurance is provided with Hastelloy C-22 parts?

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