Nickel is a chemical element with the symbol Ni and atomic number 28. It is a silvery-white metal that is widely used in various industrial and commercial applications.
Sources of nickel:
Nickel is primarily found in minerals such as pentlandite, millerite, and garnierite.
It is also found in smaller amounts in other minerals, such as pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite.
Production of nickel:
Nickel is extracted from its ores through a series of processes, including mining, crushing, and benefication.
The nickel-bearing ore is then roasted or smelted to produce nickel oxides, which are then further processed to produce pure nickel metal.
Properties of nickel:
Nickel is a dense, silvery-white metal with a melting point of 1,453°C and a boiling point of 2,732°C.
It is a relatively soft metal that is highly reactive, and must be stored in a protective atmosphere to prevent oxidation.
Nickel is a good conductor of heat and electricity, and has a low thermal expansion coefficient.
Uses of nickel:
Nickel is widely used in the production of stainless steel, where it provides resistance to corrosion and high-temperature stability.
It is also used in the production of other alloys, such as nickel-based superalloys, where it provides high-temperature stability and strength.
Nickel is used as a component in a variety of industrial and commercial products, including coinage, batteries, and electronic components.
It is also used in the production of catalysts, where it provides catalytic properties for various chemical reactions.
Nickel is used in the production of magnetic alloys, where it provides magnetic properties and resistance to corrosion.
It is also used in the production of nickel compounds, which are used as pigments, catalysts, and in the electronics industry.