Blog

Blog

Home > Blog

Monel 400 vs Hastelloy C276

12/22/2025

Monel 400 and Hastelloy C276 are two well-known nickel-based alloys widely used in corrosive and demanding industrial environments. Although both materials are valued for corrosion resistance, they are engineered for very different service conditions. Monel 400 is a nickel-copper alloy optimized for seawater and alkaline environments, while Hastelloy C276 is a nickel-chromium-molybdenum alloy designed for extreme chemical corrosion, including strong acids and mixed corrosive media.

Monel 400 vs Hastelloy C276

Chemical Composition Differences

The alloying elements define the fundamental performance gap between Monel 400 and Hastelloy C276.

Element Monel 400 Hastelloy C276
Nickel (Ni) 63–70% Balance
Copper (Cu) 28–34%
Chromium (Cr) 14.5–16.5%
Molybdenum (Mo) 15–17%
Iron (Fe) 2.5% max 4–7%

Mechanical Properties Comparison

Hastelloy C276 provides higher strength and better performance under severe stress, while Monel 400 offers excellent toughness and ductility.

Property Monel 400 Hastelloy C276
Tensile Strength ~550 MPa ~790 MPa
Yield Strength ~240 MPa ~355 MPa
Elongation 35–40% 40%
Hardness Lower Higher

Corrosion Resistance Performance

This is the most critical distinction between the two alloys.

Corrosive Environment Monel 400 Hastelloy C276
Seawater Outstanding Excellent
Hydrofluoric Acid Excellent Good
Sulfuric Acid Good Excellent
Hydrochloric Acid Limited Outstanding
Pitting & Crevice Corrosion Moderate Excellent

Temperature Resistance

Hastelloy C276 is suitable for much higher operating temperatures than Monel 400.

Temperature Factor Monel 400 Hastelloy C276
Maximum Service Temperature ~550°C ~1040°C
Oxidation Resistance Moderate Excellent
Creep Resistance Limited High

Fabrication and Machining

Both alloys are workable, but their processing characteristics differ.

Aspect Monel 400 Hastelloy C276
Machinability Moderate Difficult
Weldability Excellent Excellent
Cold Working Very good Good

Typical Applications

The choice between Monel 400 and Hastelloy C276 depends largely on environmental severity.

Industry Monel 400 Applications Hastelloy C276 Applications
Marine Engineering Pump shafts, valves, fasteners Seawater desalination components
Chemical Processing Alkaline handling equipment Reactors, heat exchangers
Oil & Gas Seawater piping systems Sour gas and acid service equipment
Pollution Control Flue gas desulfurization systems

Cost and Availability

Cost is a decisive factor for many engineering projects.

Factor Monel 400 Hastelloy C276
Material Cost Lower High
Processing Cost Lower High
Overall Cost Efficiency High for marine use High for extreme corrosion

How to Choose Between Monel 400 and Hastelloy C276

Selecting the right alloy depends on corrosion type, temperature, and budget constraints.

Requirement Recommended Alloy Reason
Seawater and brine exposure Monel 400 Superior resistance to seawater corrosion
Strong acid environments Hastelloy C276 Exceptional resistance to mixed acids
High-temperature corrosion Hastelloy C276 Excellent oxidation and creep resistance
Cost-sensitive marine projects Monel 400 Lower material and fabrication cost

Related Questions

1. Is Hastelloy C276 better than Monel 400?
Hastelloy C276 is better for extreme chemical and high-temperature environments, while Monel 400 excels in seawater and alkaline conditions.

2. Can Monel 400 replace Hastelloy C276?
Only in applications without strong acids or high temperatures, such as general marine and saltwater systems.

3. Which alloy is more expensive, Monel 400 or Hastelloy C276?
Hastelloy C276 is significantly more expensive due to its complex composition and superior corrosion resistance.

Home Tel Mail Inquiry