ABSTRACT
This first section describes nickel, its characteristics, and where it is used, both in its pure form and as alloys. The emphasis is on materials that can come into contact with skin. This introduction provides the background for the second section, which
Nickel is a metallic element, atomic number 28. Its position in the periodic table — in the first series of the transition elements — accounts for many of its key characteristics. Nickel:
• Has a high melting point of 1453ºC • Forms an adherent oxide film • Has good resistance to corrosion, especially by alkalis • Has a face-centred cubic crystal structure, which confers ductility • Alloys readily, both as a solute and as a solvent • Is ferromagnetic at room temperature • Is readily deposited by electroplating • Displays catalytic behavior
This combination of properties is unique among the elements and makes nickel one of the most versatile metals, accounting for the thousands of applications of nickel-containing materials in today’s society.
