Nimonic 90 UNS N07090 (W. Nr. 2.4632)
Nickel-chromium-cobalt superalloy, balance Ni, with Cr 18.0 to 21.0, Co 15.0 to 21.0, Ti 2.0 to 3.0, Al 1.0 to 2.0, Fe 1.5 max, Mn 1.0 max, Si 1.0 max, C 0.13 max (wt %, Special Metals datasheet)
Also known as UNS N07090, EN 2.4632, BS HR2, AMS 5829, Nimonic 90
Nimonic 90 is a wrought, age-hardened nickel-chromium-cobalt superalloy with titanium and aluminium additions, designed for creep-resistant service up to 920 °C.
Evidence level
2 of 5
Lab-measured
- 0Predicted only. No one has made it, or no measurement exists.
- 1Calculated. Only calculated or predicted values from sources.
- 2Lab-measured. Measured properties with their conditions stated.
- 3Space-relevant tests. Measured in conditions relevant to space, such as vacuum or atomic oxygen.
- 4Ground-qualified. Qualified for an application on the ground.
- 5Flown or field-proven. Flight or field results exist.
Stay strong when hot
532 MPa at 800 °C
Carry long loads at 750 °C
275 MPa for 1000 h
Weight
8.18 g/cm3
Melting
1310 to 1370 °C
Thermal expansion
12.7 µm/(m·K)
Recipe, share of the weight
- Ni not statedNickel
- Cr not statedChromium
- Co not statedCobalt
- Ti not statedTitanium
- Al not statedAluminium
- Fe, Mn, Si, C, Cu not statedIron, manganese, silicon, carbon, copper and others
Best for
High-temperature strength and creep resistance up to about 920 °C, for turbine blades, discs, forgings and ring sections
Weakest at
Weight (8.18 g/cm3), hard machining (250 to 350 HV when fully heat treated), and oxide spalling under cyclic heating (onset after 250 h at 990 °C)
Risk at a glance
- People Low. Nickel codes apply
- If it fails Moderate. Creep rupture under long load at 750 °C
- Corrosion Moderate. Descaled weight loss in air rises from 0.46 mg/cm2 at 800 °C to 10.40 mg/cm2 at 1000 °C in 100 h.
Quick facts: UNS N07090 (W. Nr. 2.4632)
| Property | Value | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 8.18 g/cm³ | 1 sourced value |
| Yield strength | 461 to 752 MPa | 2 sourced values across conditions |
| Tensile strength | 865 to 1,175 MPa | 2 sourced values across conditions |
| Young's modulus | 204 GPa | 1 sourced value |
| Thermal conductivity | 11.5 W/(m·K) | 1 sourced value |
| Thermal expansion (CTE) | 12.7 to 16.2 ppm/K | 2 sourced values across conditions |
| Melting point | 1,310 to 1,370 °C | 2 sourced values across conditions |
| Specific heat | 446 J/(kg·K) | 1 sourced value |
| Electrical resistivity | 0.0000012 Ω·m | 1 sourced value |
What is the density of Nimonic 90?
Nimonic 90 has a density of 8.18 g/cm³. The source and test conditions are listed in the properties table on this page.
What is the thermal conductivity of Nimonic 90?
Nimonic 90 has a thermal conductivity of 11.5 W/(m·K). The source and test conditions are listed in the properties table on this page.
What is the coefficient of thermal expansion of Nimonic 90?
Nimonic 90 has a coefficient of thermal expansion of 12.7 to 16.2 ppm/K. The range covers 2 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.
What is the melting point of Nimonic 90?
Nimonic 90 has a melting point of 1,310 to 1,370 °C. The range covers 2 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.
What is the yield strength of Nimonic 90?
Nimonic 90 has a yield strength of 461 to 752 MPa. The range covers 2 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.
What are the other names and codes for Nimonic 90?
Nimonic 90 is also written as UNS N07090, EN 2.4632, BS HR2, AMS 5829, Nimonic 90. Each code is printed in the source listed beside it in the designations table.
What is Nimonic 90 used for?
Uses recorded in the sources include Gas turbine blades and discs; High-temperature springs; Forgings and ring sections.
Why it exists
Nimonic 90 was built to keep strength at high temperature. The Special Metals bulletin describes it as a wrought, age-hardened nickel-chromium-cobalt alloy with titanium and aluminium additions, for creep-resisting service up to 920 °C. Wikipedia says the Nimonic family was first developed at Wiggin Works in Hereford, England, to support the Whittle jet engine. Its density is 8.18 g/cm3, and in the heat-treated bar it still has a 0.2 % proof stress of 532 MPa at 800 °C.
Where it's used
Gas turbine parts
The datasheet lists turbine blades and discs. Wikipedia says Nimonic 90 was used on the Bristol Proteus aviation gas turbine.
Springs and engine parts
Aircraft Materials lists high-temperature springs. Smiths lists high performance engine valves and turbocharger parts.
Forgings and rings
The datasheet lists forgings and ring sections, supplied as forging stock and extruded section.
Recipe
Nickel-chromium-cobalt superalloy, balance Ni, with Cr 18.0 to 21.0, Co 15.0 to 21.0, Ti 2.0 to 3.0, Al 1.0 to 2.0, Fe 1.5 max, Mn 1.0 max, Si 1.0 max, C 0.13 max (wt %, Special Metals datasheet)
Wrought nickel-chromium-cobalt alloy, age-hardened with titanium and aluminium. Bar is heat treated at 1080 °C for 8 h, air cooled, then at 700 °C for 16 h, air cooled (Special Metals). Composition in weight percent, AMS 5829 and UNS N07090 limits (Special Metals and Fort Wayne Metals).
| Ingredient | Share of the weight | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Nickel Ni | not stated | Matrix, face-centred cubic austenite that the age-hardening phases strengthen. |
| Chromium Cr | not stated | Oxidation and corrosion resistance through the chromia scale. |
| Cobalt Co | not stated | Solid-solution strengthening and high-temperature stability. |
| Titanium Ti | not stated | Age-hardening addition with aluminium, forming gamma-prime precipitates. |
| Aluminium Al | not stated | Age-hardening addition with titanium, forming gamma-prime precipitates. |
| Iron, manganese, silicon, carbon, copper and others Fe, Mn, Si, C, Cu | not stated | Impurity and trace limits in the specification; carbon is limited as printed in the composition table. |
Weight shares are as printed in the sources.
What it can do
Stay strong when hot
532 MPa at 800 °C
measured
The 0.2 % proof stress of heat-treated extruded bar is 752 MPa at 20 °C and 532 MPa at 800 °C.
Carry long loads at 750 °C
275 MPa for 1000 h
measured
The average stress to rupture in 1000 h at 750 °C is 275 MPa for extruded bar subsequently forged.
Weight
8.18 g/cm3
measured
Density is 8.18 g/cm3 in the datasheet and in the Fort Wayne Metals page.
Melting
1310 to 1370 °C
measured
The solidus is 1310 °C and the liquidus is 1370 °C in the datasheet.
Thermal expansion
12.7 µm/(m·K)
measured
The mean coefficient of linear expansion from 20 to 100 °C is 12.7 µm/(m·K), rising to 16.2 µm/(m·K) for 20 to 800 °C.
How it compares
Compared with the other nickel superalloys on this site, Nimonic 90 is a wrought alloy rated to about 920 °C, with the datasheet giving proof and creep values from one manufacturer's bulletin. Read the rows below as examples of the same measures, not as a ranking, because the heat treatments and test methods differ between alloys.
The same measurements for each material, so you can compare them. Each row names the key condition under the value; the full conditions and methods are in the numbered notes under Technical details. Other materials are shown beside it; each was measured under its own conditions, so open its page before comparing closely. Compare every grade in the family.
| Measurement | UNS N07090 (W. Nr. 2.4632) | IN718 (UNS N07718) | IN625 (UNS N06625) | FeNi36 | Ni-Mo | C-22 | C-276 (UNS N10276) | X (UNS N06002) | UNS N07214 | H230 (UNS N06230) | UNS N08800 | Alloy 825 (UNS N08825) | Alloy 600 (UNS N06600, W.Nr. 2.4816) | Alloy 601 | Alloy 617 | X-750 (UNS N07750) | Fe-Ni-Co | Alloy 400 (UNS N04400) | K-500 | Ni | Ni3Al, NiAl | NiBe2 | Ni-alloys | UNS N07001 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thermal behavior and safety | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Liquidus temperaturePrinted in a manufacturer datasheet | 1370 °C | 1260 °C | 1290 to 1350 °C | 1427 °C | 1370 to 1418 °C | 1357 to 1399 °C | 1323 to 1371 °C | 1260 to 1355 °C | 1355 to 1400 °C | 1301 to 1371 °C | 1357 to 1385 °C | 1370 to 1400 °C | 1354 to 1413 °C | 1360 to 1411 °C | 1330 to 1380 °C | 1393 to 1427 °C | 1450 °C | 1300 to 1350 °C | 1315 to 1350 °C | 1455 °C | no data | 1195 to 1325 °C | 1425 °C | 1330 to 1360 °C |
| Solidus temperaturePrinted in a manufacturer datasheet | 1310 °C | 1260 °C | 1290 to 1350 °C | 1427 °C | 1370 to 1418 °C | 1357 to 1399 °C | 1323 to 1371 °C | 1260 to 1355 °C | 1355 to 1400 °C | 1301 to 1371 °C | 1357 to 1385 °C | 1370 to 1400 °C | 1354 to 1413 °C | 1360 to 1411 °C | 1330 to 1380 °C | 1393 to 1427 °C | 1450 °C | 1300 to 1350 °C | 1315 to 1350 °C | 1455 °C | no data | 1195 to 1325 °C | 1425 °C | 1330 to 1360 °C |
| Thermal conductivity at 20 °C | 11.47 W/(m·K)2 | 79 BTU·in/ft²·h·°F | 9.8 W/m°C | 72.85 Btu·in/(hr·ft²·°F) | 11.2 W/m.°C | 10.1 W/(m·K) | 10.5 W/m.°C | 9.2 W/(m·K) | 12 W/m-°C | 8.9 W/(m·°C) | 11.5 W/m°C | 11.1 W/(m·K) | 14.9 W/(m·K) | 11.2 W/(m·K) | 13.4 W/(m·K) | 83 Btu/in./hr/sq ft/°F | 17.5 W/m °K | 22 W/m°C | 17.5 W/m °C | 70.3 W/(m·K) | no data | 48 W/(m·K) | 13 W/(m·K) | 19.1 W/(m·°C) |
| Thermal conductivity at 1000 °C | 27.88 W/(m·K)3 | 79 BTU·in/ft²·h·°F | 9.8 W/m°C | 72.85 Btu·in/(hr·ft²·°F) | 11.2 W/m.°C | 10.1 W/(m·K) | 10.5 W/m.°C | 9.2 W/(m·K) | 12 W/m-°C | 8.9 W/(m·°C) | 11.5 W/m°C | 11.1 W/(m·K) | 14.9 W/(m·K) | 11.2 W/(m·K) | 13.4 W/(m·K) | 83 Btu/in./hr/sq ft/°F | 17.5 W/m °K | 22 W/m°C | 17.5 W/m °C | 70.3 W/(m·K) | no data | 48 W/(m·K) | 13 W/(m·K) | 19.1 W/(m·°C) |
| Specific heat at 20 °CValue in a manufacturer datasheet | 446 J/(kg·K) | 435 J/kg °C | 410 J/(kg·K) | 515 J/(kg·K) | 373 J/kg.°C | 410 J/(kg·K) | 427 J/kg.°C | 486 J/(kg·K) | 452 J/kg-°C | 397 J/kg·°C | 460 J/kg·°C | 440 J/(kg·K) | 444 J/kg °C | 448 J/(kg·K) | 419 J/(kg·K) | 0.103 Btu/lb/°F | 500 J/(kg. K) | 427 J/kg°C | 419 J/kg °C | 456 J/(kg·K) | no data | no data | 500 J/(kg·K) | no data |
| Physical and electrical | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Density, extruded bar | 8.18 g/cm³1 | 0.297 lb/in3 | 8.44 g/cm³ | 8.05 g/cm³ | 9.22 g/cm³ | 8.69 g/cm³ | 8.89 g/cm³ | 8.22 g/cm³ | 8.05 g/cm³ | 8.97 g/cm³ | 7.94 g/cm³ | 8.14 g/cm³ | 0.306 lb/in3 | 8.11 Mg/m3 | 8.36 g/cm³ | 8.28 g/cm³ | 8.36 g/cm³ | 8.8 g/cm³ | 8.45 g/cm³ | 8.89 g/cm³ | 7.5 g/cm³ | 8.27 g/cm³ | 8.2 g/cm³ | 8.19 g/cm³ |
| Electrical resistivity at 20 °CValue in a manufacturer datasheet | 1.18 µΩ·m | 725 ohm circ mil/ft | 129 µΩ-cm | 84 µΩ·cm | 1.37 μohm.m | 1.14 µΩ·m | 1.23 μohm.m | 114.8 µohm-cm | 135.9 µohm-cm | 125 µohm-m | 0.989 µΩ·m | 112 µΩ·cm | 1.03 µΩ·m | 1.18 µΩ·m | 1.22×10^-4 Ω·cm | 731 ohm circ mil/ft | 49 μΩcm | 0.511 µΩ·m | 0.615 µΩ·m | 0.096 µΩ·m | no data | < 28.7 µΩ·cm | 45 µΩ·cm | 1.24 µΩ·m |
| Hardness, fully heat-treated condition | 250 to 350 HV13 | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data |
| Other measurements | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mean coefficient of linear thermal expansion, 20 to 100 °CMean value in a manufacturer datasheet | 12.7 µm/(m·K) | 8.91 ppm/°F | 12.8 ppm/°C | 1.3 ppm/K | 10.6 μm/m.°C | 12.4 ppm/K | 11.2 μm/m.°C | 13.9 µm/(m·K) | 14.6 µm/m-°C | 11.8 ppm/K | 14.4 µm/m/°C | 13.9 ppm/K | 10.4 ppm/K | 13.75 µm/m/°C | 11.6 µm/(m·K) | 7 10-6 in./in./°F | 5.86 10-6/°C | 14.2 µm/m°C | 13.7 10-6/°C | 13.3 ppm/K | no data | 14.5 ppm/K | 8 ppm/K | 14.3 µm/m·°C |
| Mean coefficient of linear thermal expansion, 20 to 800 °CMean value in a manufacturer datasheet | 16.2 µm/(m·K) | 8.91 ppm/°F | 12.8 ppm/°C | 1.3 ppm/K | 10.6 μm/m.°C | 12.4 ppm/K | 11.2 μm/m.°C | 13.9 µm/(m·K) | 14.6 µm/m-°C | 11.8 ppm/K | 14.4 µm/m/°C | 13.9 ppm/K | 10.4 ppm/K | 13.75 µm/m/°C | 11.6 µm/(m·K) | 7 10-6 in./in./°F | 5.86 10-6/°C | 14.2 µm/m°C | 13.7 10-6/°C | 13.3 ppm/K | no data | 14.5 ppm/K | 8 ppm/K | 14.3 µm/m·°C |
| Dynamic Young's modulus, extruded bar, 20 °C | 204 GPa4 | 29 ksi x 10^3 | 207.5 GPa | 140 GPa | 216 GPa | 206 GPa | 205 GPa | 205 GPa | 218 GPa | 209 GPa | 196.5 GPa | 196 GPa | 214 GPa | 206.5 GPa | 211 GPa | 31 10^3 ksi | 138 kN/mm2 | 26 10^3 ksi | 179 GPa | 205 GPa | 200 GPa | 195 to 210 GPa | no data | 211 GPa |
| 0.2 % proof stress, extruded bar, 20 °C | 752 MPa5 | 171 ksi | 60 to 95 ksi | 40 ksi | 421 MPa | > 310 MPa | 356 MPa | 340 MPa | 577 MPa | 417 MPa | 250 MPa | 338 MPa | 170 to 345 MPa | 292 MPa | 340 MPa | > 105 ksi | > 200 N/mm2 | 25 to 50 ksi | 276 to 414 MPa | 105 to 210 MPa | no data | 280 to 480 MPa | 280 MPa | 586 MPa |
| Tensile strength, extruded bar, 20 °C | 1175 MPa6 | 201 ksi | 120 to 150 ksi | 65 ksi | 862 MPa | 690 to 950 MPa | 792 MPa | 760 MPa | 975 MPa | 837 MPa | 590 MPa | 662 MPa | 550 to 690 MPa | 675 MPa | 710 MPa | > 165 ksi | 450 to 585 N/mm2 | 75 to 90 ksi | 621 to 758 MPa | 380 to 520 MPa | 2300 MPa | 660 to 900 MPa | 500 MPa | 1027 MPa |
| Elongation, extruded bar, 20 °C | 30 %7 | 26 % | 30 to 60 % | 35 % | 53 % | > 45 % | 61 % | 48.9 % | 37.3 % | 47.3 % | 17 % | 45 % | 35 to 55 % | 46 % | 62 % | > 20 % | > 25 % | 35 to 60 % | 20 to 35 % | 40 to 55 % | no data | > 30 % | 35 % | 43 % |
| 0.2 % proof stress, extruded bar, 800 °C | 532 MPa8 | 171 ksi | 60 to 95 ksi | 40 ksi | 421 MPa | > 310 MPa | 356 MPa | 340 MPa | 577 MPa | 417 MPa | 250 MPa | 338 MPa | 170 to 345 MPa | 292 MPa | 340 MPa | > 105 ksi | > 200 N/mm2 | 25 to 50 ksi | 276 to 414 MPa | 105 to 210 MPa | no data | 280 to 480 MPa | 280 MPa | 586 MPa |
| Tensile strength, extruded bar, 800 °C | 657 MPa9 | 201 ksi | 120 to 150 ksi | 65 ksi | 862 MPa | 690 to 950 MPa | 792 MPa | 760 MPa | 975 MPa | 837 MPa | 590 MPa | 662 MPa | 550 to 690 MPa | 675 MPa | 710 MPa | > 165 ksi | 450 to 585 N/mm2 | 75 to 90 ksi | 621 to 758 MPa | 380 to 520 MPa | 2300 MPa | 660 to 900 MPa | 500 MPa | 1027 MPa |
| Stress to produce rupture in 1000 h at 750 °C, extruded bar subsequently forged | 275 MPa10 | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data |
| Descaled weight loss after 100 h in air, 800 °CValue printed in a manufacturer datasheet | 0.46 mg/cm²11 | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data |
| Descaled weight loss after 100 h in air, 1000 °CValue printed in a manufacturer datasheet | 10.4 mg/cm²12 | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data |
| 0.2 % proof stress, cold-formed sheet, annealed | 461 MPa14 | 171 ksi | 60 to 95 ksi | 40 ksi | 421 MPa | > 310 MPa | 356 MPa | 340 MPa | 577 MPa | 417 MPa | 250 MPa | 338 MPa | 170 to 345 MPa | 292 MPa | 340 MPa | > 105 ksi | > 200 N/mm2 | 25 to 50 ksi | 276 to 414 MPa | 105 to 210 MPa | no data | 280 to 480 MPa | 280 MPa | 586 MPa |
| Tensile strength, cold-formed sheet, annealed | 865 MPa15 | 201 ksi | 120 to 150 ksi | 65 ksi | 862 MPa | 690 to 950 MPa | 792 MPa | 760 MPa | 975 MPa | 837 MPa | 590 MPa | 662 MPa | 550 to 690 MPa | 675 MPa | 710 MPa | > 165 ksi | 450 to 585 N/mm2 | 75 to 90 ksi | 621 to 758 MPa | 380 to 520 MPa | 2300 MPa | 660 to 900 MPa | 500 MPa | 1027 MPa |
Why choose it, and why not
Good for
- High-temperature parts: 532 MPa proof stress at 800 °C in heat-treated extruded bar.
- Long-term load at 750 °C: 275 MPa for 1000 h, average of 15 casts.
- Gas turbine blades, discs, forgings and springs, as listed in the sources.
Watch out for
- Weight: 8.18 g/cm3, high for a thermal-structural part.
- Scale spalls after 250 h at 990 °C under cyclic heating in the datasheet test.
- Fusion welds thicker than about 5 mm can microfissure.
- No spacecraft, rocket or satellite use was found in the sources, so this profile makes no space claim.
Nimonic 90 is a heat-treated wrought superalloy for turbine and forged parts up to about 920 °C, with 752 MPa proof stress at 20 °C and 532 MPa at 800 °C in the datasheet. It is heavy, hard to machine in its heat-treated state, and creep-limited at 750 °C over long times. The sources read contain no space use, outgassing or radiation data for it.
Technical details
For scientists and researchers. Everything above comes from the record below: every number with its method, its conditions and its source.
Other names and standards
The same grade under other systems, as datasheets and standards print them. Each code was checked against the page it comes from.
| System | Codes |
|---|---|
| UNS | N07090 |
| EN | 2.4632 |
| BS | HR2 (bar, billet and forging stock) |
| AMS | 5829 |
| Trade name | Nimonic 90 |
Notes
The method, full conditions and any caveat for the numbered rows above.
| # | Measurement | Method | Conditions | Caveat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Density, extruded bar | Value printed in a manufacturer datasheet, determined on the stated heat-treated material | form extruded bar, heat treated 8 h at 1080 °C AC + 16 h at 700 °C ACtemperature not statedunit in source Mg/m3 (0.296 lb/in3) | — |
| 2 | Thermal conductivity at 20 °C | Value in a manufacturer datasheet; the table footnote says it is calculated from electrical resistance measurements | temperature 20 °Cunit in source W/m·°C (80.46 Btu·in/ft2·h·°F) | — |
| 3 | Thermal conductivity at 1000 °C | Value in a manufacturer datasheet; the table footnote says it is calculated from electrical resistance measurements | temperature 1000 °Cunit in source W/m·°C (195.58 Btu·in/ft2·h·°F) | — |
| 4 | Dynamic Young's modulus, extruded bar, 20 °C | Dynamic modulus printed in a manufacturer datasheet | temperature 20 °Cform extruded bar (8 casts), heat treated 8 h at 1080 °C AC + 16 h at 700 °C ACunit in source GPa (30 x 10^3 ksi) | — |
| 5 | 0.2 % proof stress, extruded bar, 20 °C | Average result printed in a manufacturer datasheet; strain rate 0.005/min to proof stress at room temperature | temperature 20 °Cform extruded bar, heat treated 8 h at 1080 °C AC + 16 h at 700 °C ACmeasure 0.2 % proof stressunit in source 109 ksibasis average of 9 casts | — |
| 6 | Tensile strength, extruded bar, 20 °C | Average result printed in a manufacturer datasheet | temperature 20 °Cform extruded bar, heat treated 8 h at 1080 °C AC + 16 h at 700 °C ACunit in source 170 ksibasis average of 9 casts | — |
| 7 | Elongation, extruded bar, 20 °C | Average result printed in a manufacturer datasheet | temperature 20 °Cform extruded bar, heat treated 8 h at 1080 °C AC + 16 h at 700 °C ACgauge length 5.65 √So | — |
| 8 | 0.2 % proof stress, extruded bar, 800 °C | Average result printed in a manufacturer datasheet; strain rate 0.002/min to proof stress at elevated temperature | temperature 800 °Cform extruded bar, heat treated 8 h at 1080 °C AC + 16 h at 700 °C ACmeasure 0.2 % proof stressunit in source 77 ksi | — |
| 9 | Tensile strength, extruded bar, 800 °C | Average result printed in a manufacturer datasheet | temperature 800 °Cform extruded bar, heat treated 8 h at 1080 °C AC + 16 h at 700 °C ACunit in source 95 ksi | — |
| 10 | Stress to produce rupture in 1000 h at 750 °C, extruded bar subsequently forged | Average result printed in a manufacturer datasheet; the datasheet says these are typical values | temperature 750 °C (1382 °F)time 1000 hform extruded bar, subsequently forged, heat treated 8 h at 1080 °C AC + 16 h at 700 °C ACunit in source 40 ksibasis average of 15 casts, Graham and Walles analysis | Benchmark creep_rupture_stress_1000h is not in the property canon; see gaps. |
| 11 | Descaled weight loss after 100 h in air, 800 °C | — | temperature 800 °Ctime 100 hexposure continuous heating in air, descaled specimen | Benchmark oxidation_weight_loss_100h is not in the property canon; see gaps. |
| 12 | Descaled weight loss after 100 h in air, 1000 °C | — | temperature 1000 °Ctime 100 hexposure continuous heating in air, descaled specimen | Benchmark oxidation_weight_loss_100h is not in the property canon; see gaps. |
| 13 | Hardness, fully heat-treated condition | Range printed in a manufacturer datasheet in the machining note | condition fully heat-treated, the condition used for machiningunit in source HV | Benchmark hardness_hv is not in the property canon; see gaps. |
| 14 | 0.2 % proof stress, cold-formed sheet, annealed | Average value printed in a manufacturer datasheet for cold forming operations | form sheet 0.6 to 2.0 mm, annealed 2 to 3 min at 1150 °C FBQmeasure 0.2 % proof stressunit in source 67 ksi | — |
| 15 | Tensile strength, cold-formed sheet, annealed | Average value printed in a manufacturer datasheet for cold forming operations | form sheet 0.6 to 2.0 mm, annealed 2 to 3 min at 1150 °C FBQunit in source 125 ksi | — |
Corrosion and compatibility
What happens when it meets other materials and environments.
| Environment | Concern | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Air, continuous heating | moderate | Descaled weight loss in air rises from 0.46 mg/cm2 at 800 °C to 10.40 mg/cm2 at 1000 °C in 100 h.1 |
| Air, cyclic heating (15 min in furnace, 5 min outside) | moderate | Scale spalls after 250 h at 990 °C and after 75 h at 1110 °C, while 890 °C and 910 °C show no spalling within 1000 h.2 |
| Sulphur dioxide atmospheres, 3 % SO2 | moderate | Weight loss in 3 % SO2 is largest at 700 °C in air (8.1 mg/cm2) and at 800 °C in argon (40.0 mg/cm2), after 1000 h.3 |
| # | Environment | Details | Test conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Air, continuous heating | Weight loss after 100 h of continuous heating: 0.46 at 800 °C, 2.52 at 900 °C, 5.50 at 950 °C, 10.40 at 1000 °C and 11.23 mg/cm2 at 1100 °C. | exposure 100 h continuous heating in airspecimen descaled |
| 2 | Air, cyclic heating (15 min in furnace, 5 min outside) | Time to onset of spalling: more than 1000 h at 890 and 910 °C (weight gains of 2.95 and 5.52 mg/cm2 in 1000 h), 250 h at 990 °C (rate 0.304 mg/cm2/h, weight change -214 mg/cm2 in 1000 h), 100 h at 1090 °C and 75 h at 1110 °C (rate 1.268 mg/cm2/h, weight change -1107 mg/cm2 in 1000 h). | cycle 15 min in furnace, 5 min outsidetime up to 1000 h |
| 3 | Sulphur dioxide atmospheres, 3 % SO2 | After 1000 h: in 3 % SO2 in air, 4.5 mg/cm2 at 600 °C, 8.1 at 700 °C, 1.4 at 800 °C and 2.0 at 900 °C; in 3 % SO2 in argon, 3.7 at 600 °C, 18.0 at 700 °C and 40.0 at 800 °C. | exposure 1000 hspecimen descaled |
Risks and side effects
Hazards to people, what happens when a cell overheats, and how the material is handled and stored.
For people
The hazard codes in the sources describe nickel, the largest constituent. No safety data sheet for the alloy itself was read.
- Nickel as a constituent
- PubChem's aggregated record for nickel lists H317 (allergic skin reaction, 99.9 % of notifications), H351 (suspected cancer, 72.9 %) and H372 (organ damage with prolonged exposure, 99.7 %). The signal word is Danger.
- Cobalt as a constituent
- Cobalt makes up 15 to 21 % of the alloy. Its hazard codes were not read in this run.
If it fails
These failure routes come from the datasheet tests and the welding notes. None of them is a space result.
- Creep at 750 °C
- The 1000 h rupture stress at 750 °C is 275 MPa for extruded bar subsequently forged.
- Softening at 800 °C and above
- 0.2 % proof stress falls from 752 MPa at 20 °C to 532 MPa at 800 °C and 306 MPa at 900 °C.
- Scale spalling
- In a cyclic heating test, scale spalls after 250 h at 990 °C and after 75 h at 1110 °C.
Handling and storage
- Machine it soft or hard on purpose
- Machine only in the fully heat-treated condition, where hardness is 250 to 350 HV.
- Weld with care
- Fusion welds above about 5 mm can microfissure. Weld solution-treated material and give post-weld heat treatment.
Test details
The original wording and numbers from the sources, for readers who want them.
Failure risks
| Failure | Trigger and consequence |
|---|---|
| Creep rupture under long load at 750 °Cmoderate severity | Sustained stress at 750 °C for 1000 h or longerThe average stress to rupture in 1000 h at 750 °C is 275 MPa for extruded bar subsequently forged. The same table gives 1000 h values at 700, 815 and 870 °C, which were not entered (see gaps). |
| Loss of proof strength at high temperaturemoderate severity | Service at 800 °C and above in the heat-treated condition0.2 % proof stress of extruded bar falls from 752 MPa at 20 °C to 532 MPa at 800 °C and 306 MPa at 900 °C. |
| Oxide scale spalling under cyclic heatingmoderate severity | Repeated heating and cooling in air at 990 °C or aboveScale spalls after 250 h at 990 °C and after 75 h at 1110 °C in the datasheet cyclic test, with weight loss of 214 to 1107 mg/cm2 in 1000 h. |
| Microfissuring in fusion welds above about 5 mmmoderate severity | Fusion welding (TIG or MIG) of sections thicker than about 5 mmThe datasheet says microfissuring may occur in both the weld and the heat-affected zone. |
Side effects on surrounding parts
| Affects | Effect |
|---|---|
| Mass of turbine parts and rotating components | Density is 8.18 g/cm3, so the weight of parts is high for the strength they carry in the heat-treated state. |
Handling and storage
- Machine only in the fully heat-treated condition, where hardness is 250 to 350 HV and stringent machining is needed.
- Hot work in the range 1050 to 1200 °C. Interstage anneal sheet at 1040 °C, then water quench or air cool.
- Weld solution-treated material only, and give post-weld heat treatment to recover properties.
Supply and geography
How common the raw materials are and where they come from.
Nickel (mine production, 2025 estimate)
- Top producers (2025)
- Indonesia 66.7%, Philippines 6.9%, Russia 5.1%, New Caledonia 3.6%, Canada 3.6%
- Recycling
- USGS: nickel recovered from scrap was about 60 % of apparent U.S. consumption in 2025, and most recycled nickel went into new alloys and stainless steel. Stainless and alloy steel plus nickel-containing alloys were more than 85 % of U.S. consumption.
- Substitutes
- USGS: low-nickel, duplex or ultrahigh-chromium stainless steels substitute for austenitic grades; titanium alloys can substitute for nickel or nickel-base alloys in corrosive environments.
Cobalt (about 15 to 21 % of the alloy, mine production)
- Top producers (2025)
- Congo (Kinshasa) 73%, Indonesia 14%
- Recycling
- USGS: in 2025 the cobalt content of purchased scrap was 25 % of estimated U.S. cobalt consumption; secondary cobalt was 2,000 tons.
- Substitutes
- USGS: depending on application, substitution for cobalt could lose product performance; nickel-base alloys or ceramics are cited as substitutes in jet engines.
Documents
Datasheets, safety data sheets, papers and standards you can open.
Full record
The complete spore, as stored. Free to reuse under CC-BY-4.0. Images keep the licence shown with each one.
Show the full YAML
spore: profile
id: nimonic-90
spore_version: 0.2
family: nickel-alloys
name: Nimonic 90
abbreviation: UNS N07090 (W. Nr. 2.4632)
role: age-hardened creep-resisting superalloy
category: metals
type: nickel-superalloys
summary: |
Nimonic 90 is a wrought, age-hardened nickel-chromium-cobalt superalloy with titanium and aluminium additions, designed for creep-resistant service up to 920 °C. In the Special Metals datasheet, extruded bar in its heat-treated condition has a 0.2 % proof stress of 752 MPa and a tensile strength of 1175 MPa at 20 °C, and still 532 MPa proof stress at 800 °C. It is used for turbine blades, discs, forgings and ring sections. Its density is 8.18 g/cm3, and it oxidises at 10.40 mg/cm2 per 100 h at 1000 °C. No spacecraft, rocket or satellite use was found in the sources read.
best_for: High-temperature strength and creep resistance up to about 920 °C, for turbine blades, discs, forgings and ring sections
weakest_at: Weight (8.18 g/cm3), hard machining (250 to 350 HV when fully heat treated), and oxide spalling under cyclic heating (onset after 250 h at 990 °C)
identity:
formula: Nickel-chromium-cobalt superalloy, balance Ni, with Cr 18.0 to 21.0, Co 15.0 to 21.0, Ti 2.0 to 3.0, Al 1.0 to 2.0, Fe 1.5 max, Mn 1.0 max, Si 1.0 max, C 0.13 max (wt %, Special Metals datasheet)
source: sm90
where: Composition table, Special Metals publication SMC-080; the same limits are printed in the Fort Wayne Metals table for AMS 5829 and UNS N07090
designations:
- system: UNS
code: N07090
source: sm90
where: Title line, NIMONIC alloy 90 (UNS N07090/W. Nr. 2.4632)
- system: EN
code: '2.4632'
source: sm90
where: Title line and Available Products and Specifications, Werkstoff Number 2.4632
- system: AMS
code: '5829'
source: fw-nimonic90
where: Chemical composition table, column heading AMS 5829 and UNS N07090
- system: BS
code: HR2
note: bar, billet and forging stock
source: sm90
where: Available Products and Specifications, Rod, Bar, Wire and Forging Stock
- system: Trade name
code: Nimonic 90
source: acm90
where: Page title, Nickel Alloy 90 / Nimonic 90 (UNS N07090)
tags:
environments: []
stresses:
- high-temperature-creep
- oxidation-and-sulphur-dioxide
applications:
- propulsion-and-tanks
- mechanisms
- structures
properties:
- benchmark: density
label: Density, extruded bar
value: 8.18
unit: g/cm3
scope: material
conditions:
form: extruded bar, heat treated 8 h at 1080 °C AC + 16 h at 700 °C AC
temperature: not stated
unit_in_source: Mg/m3 (0.296 lb/in3)
method: Value printed in a manufacturer datasheet, determined on the stated heat-treated material
status: ground
source: sm90
where: Physical Properties, row Density
- benchmark: melting_point
label: Liquidus temperature
value: 1370
unit: °C
scope: material
conditions:
unit_in_source: 2500 °F
method: Printed in a manufacturer datasheet
status: ground
source: sm90
where: Physical Properties, Melting Range, Liquidus temperature
- benchmark: melting_point
label: Solidus temperature
value: 1310
unit: °C
scope: material
conditions:
unit_in_source: 2390 °F
method: Printed in a manufacturer datasheet
status: ground
source: sm90
where: Physical Properties, Melting Range, Solidus temperature
- benchmark: thermal_conductivity
label: Thermal conductivity at 20 °C
value: 11.47
unit: W/(m·K)
scope: material
conditions:
temperature: 20 °C
unit_in_source: W/m·°C (80.46 Btu·in/ft2·h·°F)
method: Value in a manufacturer datasheet; the table footnote says it is calculated from electrical resistance measurements
status: ground
source: sm90
where: Table 2 Thermal Conductivity, row 20 °C
- benchmark: thermal_conductivity
label: Thermal conductivity at 1000 °C
value: 27.88
unit: W/(m·K)
scope: material
conditions:
temperature: 1000 °C
unit_in_source: W/m·°C (195.58 Btu·in/ft2·h·°F)
method: Value in a manufacturer datasheet; the table footnote says it is calculated from electrical resistance measurements
status: ground
source: sm90
where: Table 2 Thermal Conductivity, row 1000 °C
- benchmark: specific_heat
label: Specific heat at 20 °C
value: 446
unit: J/(kg·K)
scope: material
conditions:
temperature: 20 °C
unit_in_source: J/kg·°C (0.11 Btu/lb·°F)
method: Value in a manufacturer datasheet
status: ground
source: sm90
where: Table 1 Specific Heat, row 20 °C
- benchmark: electrical_resistivity
label: Electrical resistivity at 20 °C
value: 1.18
unit: µΩ·m
scope: material
conditions:
temperature: 20 °C
unit_in_source: µohm·m (710 ohm·circ·mil/ft)
method: Value in a manufacturer datasheet
status: ground
source: sm90
where: Table 4 Electrical Properties, line Electrical Resistivity at 20°C
- benchmark: cte
label: Mean coefficient of linear thermal expansion, 20 to 100 °C
value: 12.7
unit: µm/(m·K)
scope: material
conditions:
temperature_range: 20 to 100 °C
unit_in_source: µm/m °C (7.1 in/in °F x 10-6)
method: Mean value in a manufacturer datasheet
status: ground
source: sm90
where: Table 3 Mean Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion, row 20-100 °C
- benchmark: cte
label: Mean coefficient of linear thermal expansion, 20 to 800 °C
value: 16.2
unit: µm/(m·K)
scope: material
conditions:
temperature_range: 20 to 800 °C
unit_in_source: µm/m °C (9.0 in/in °F x 10-6)
method: Mean value in a manufacturer datasheet
status: ground
source: sm90
where: Table 3 Mean Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion, row 20-800 °C
- benchmark: elastic_modulus
label: Dynamic Young's modulus, extruded bar, 20 °C
value: 204
unit: GPa
scope: material
conditions:
temperature: 20 °C
form: extruded bar (8 casts), heat treated 8 h at 1080 °C AC + 16 h at 700 °C AC
unit_in_source: GPa (30 x 10^3 ksi)
method: Dynamic modulus printed in a manufacturer datasheet
status: ground
source: sm90
where: Table 6 Dynamic Young's Modulus of Extruded Bar, column Extruded Bar 1, row 20 °C
- benchmark: yield_strength
label: 0.2 % proof stress, extruded bar, 20 °C
value: 752
unit: MPa
scope: material
conditions:
temperature: 20 °C
form: extruded bar, heat treated 8 h at 1080 °C AC + 16 h at 700 °C AC
measure: 0.2 % proof stress
unit_in_source: 109 ksi
basis: average of 9 casts
method: Average result printed in a manufacturer datasheet; strain rate 0.005/min to proof stress at room temperature
status: ground
source: sm90
where: Table 8 Tensile Properties of Extruded Bar, row 20 °C, column 0.2% Proof Stress
- benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
label: Tensile strength, extruded bar, 20 °C
value: 1175
unit: MPa
scope: material
conditions:
temperature: 20 °C
form: extruded bar, heat treated 8 h at 1080 °C AC + 16 h at 700 °C AC
unit_in_source: 170 ksi
basis: average of 9 casts
method: Average result printed in a manufacturer datasheet
status: ground
source: sm90
where: Table 8 Tensile Properties of Extruded Bar, row 20 °C, column Tensile Strength
- benchmark: elongation
label: Elongation, extruded bar, 20 °C
value: 30
unit: '%'
scope: material
conditions:
temperature: 20 °C
form: extruded bar, heat treated 8 h at 1080 °C AC + 16 h at 700 °C AC
gauge_length: 5.65 √So
method: Average result printed in a manufacturer datasheet
status: ground
source: sm90
where: Table 8 Tensile Properties of Extruded Bar, row 20 °C, column Elongation on 5.65 √So
- benchmark: yield_strength
label: 0.2 % proof stress, extruded bar, 800 °C
value: 532
unit: MPa
scope: material
conditions:
temperature: 800 °C
form: extruded bar, heat treated 8 h at 1080 °C AC + 16 h at 700 °C AC
measure: 0.2 % proof stress
unit_in_source: 77 ksi
method: Average result printed in a manufacturer datasheet; strain rate 0.002/min to proof stress at elevated temperature
status: ground
source: sm90
where: Table 8 Tensile Properties of Extruded Bar, row 800 °C, column 0.2% Proof Stress
- benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
label: Tensile strength, extruded bar, 800 °C
value: 657
unit: MPa
scope: material
conditions:
temperature: 800 °C
form: extruded bar, heat treated 8 h at 1080 °C AC + 16 h at 700 °C AC
unit_in_source: 95 ksi
method: Average result printed in a manufacturer datasheet
status: ground
source: sm90
where: Table 8 Tensile Properties of Extruded Bar, row 800 °C, column Tensile Strength
- benchmark: creep_rupture_stress_1000h
label: Stress to produce rupture in 1000 h at 750 °C, extruded bar subsequently forged
value: 275
unit: MPa
scope: material
conditions:
temperature: 750 °C (1382 °F)
time: 1000 h
form: extruded bar, subsequently forged, heat treated 8 h at 1080 °C AC + 16 h at 700 °C AC
unit_in_source: 40 ksi
basis: average of 15 casts, Graham and Walles analysis
method: Average result printed in a manufacturer datasheet; the datasheet says these are typical values
status: ground
note: Benchmark creep_rupture_stress_1000h is not in the property canon; see gaps.
source: sm90
where: Table 13 Creep Rupture Properties of Extruded Bar Subsequently Forged, row 750 °C, GW line, column 1000 h
- benchmark: oxidation_weight_loss_100h
label: Descaled weight loss after 100 h in air, 800 °C
value: 0.46
unit: mg/cm2
scope: material
conditions:
temperature: 800 °C
time: 100 h
exposure: continuous heating in air, descaled specimen
method: Value printed in a manufacturer datasheet
status: ground
note: Benchmark oxidation_weight_loss_100h is not in the property canon; see gaps.
source: sm90
where: Corrosion Resistance, Oxidation in Air (continuous heating), column 800 °C
- benchmark: oxidation_weight_loss_100h
label: Descaled weight loss after 100 h in air, 1000 °C
value: 10.4
unit: mg/cm2
scope: material
conditions:
temperature: 1000 °C
time: 100 h
exposure: continuous heating in air, descaled specimen
method: Value printed in a manufacturer datasheet
status: ground
note: Benchmark oxidation_weight_loss_100h is not in the property canon; see gaps.
source: sm90
where: Corrosion Resistance, Oxidation in Air (continuous heating), column 1000 °C
- benchmark: hardness_hv
label: Hardness, fully heat-treated condition
value: 250
value_high: 350
bound: range
unit: HV
scope: material
conditions:
condition: fully heat-treated, the condition used for machining
unit_in_source: HV
method: Range printed in a manufacturer datasheet in the machining note
status: ground
note: Benchmark hardness_hv is not in the property canon; see gaps.
source: sm90
where: Machining section, high material hardness in this condition, 250-350 HV
- benchmark: yield_strength
label: 0.2 % proof stress, cold-formed sheet, annealed
value: 461
unit: MPa
scope: material
conditions:
form: sheet 0.6 to 2.0 mm, annealed 2 to 3 min at 1150 °C FBQ
measure: 0.2 % proof stress
unit_in_source: 67 ksi
method: Average value printed in a manufacturer datasheet for cold forming operations
status: ground
source: sm90
where: Cold Working section, row 0.2% proof stress
- benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
label: Tensile strength, cold-formed sheet, annealed
value: 865
unit: MPa
scope: material
conditions:
form: sheet 0.6 to 2.0 mm, annealed 2 to 3 min at 1150 °C FBQ
unit_in_source: 125 ksi
method: Average value printed in a manufacturer datasheet for cold forming operations
status: ground
source: sm90
where: Cold Working section, row Tensile strength
corrosion:
- environment: Air, continuous heating
headline: Descaled weight loss in air rises from 0.46 mg/cm2 at 800 °C to 10.40 mg/cm2 at 1000 °C in 100 h.
effect: 'Weight loss after 100 h of continuous heating: 0.46 at 800 °C, 2.52 at 900 °C, 5.50 at 950 °C, 10.40 at 1000 °C and 11.23 mg/cm2 at 1100 °C.'
rating: moderate
conditions:
exposure: 100 h continuous heating in air
specimen: descaled
source: sm90
where: Corrosion Resistance table, Oxidation in Air (continuous heating)
- environment: Air, cyclic heating (15 min in furnace, 5 min outside)
headline: Scale spalls after 250 h at 990 °C and after 75 h at 1110 °C, while 890 °C and 910 °C show no spalling within 1000 h.
effect: 'Time to onset of spalling: more than 1000 h at 890 and 910 °C (weight gains of 2.95 and 5.52 mg/cm2 in 1000 h), 250 h at 990 °C (rate 0.304 mg/cm2/h, weight change -214 mg/cm2 in 1000 h), 100 h at 1090 °C and 75 h at 1110 °C (rate 1.268 mg/cm2/h, weight change -1107 mg/cm2 in 1000 h).'
rating: moderate
conditions:
cycle: 15 min in furnace, 5 min outside
time: up to 1000 h
source: sm90
where: Corrosion Resistance table, Cyclic Heating (15 min in furnace, 5 min outside)
- environment: Sulphur dioxide atmospheres, 3 % SO2
headline: Weight loss in 3 % SO2 is largest at 700 °C in air (8.1 mg/cm2) and at 800 °C in argon (40.0 mg/cm2), after 1000 h.
effect: 'After 1000 h: in 3 % SO2 in air, 4.5 mg/cm2 at 600 °C, 8.1 at 700 °C, 1.4 at 800 °C and 2.0 at 900 °C; in 3 % SO2 in argon, 3.7 at 600 °C, 18.0 at 700 °C and 40.0 at 800 °C.'
rating: moderate
conditions:
exposure: 1000 h
specimen: descaled
source: sm90
where: Corrosion Resistance table, Resistance to Atmospheres Containing SO2
risks:
hazards:
- text: 'PubChem record for nickel (CID 935), aggregated from ECHA C&L notifications, Signal word Danger. Nickel is the largest element in this alloy, so these codes describe the constituent. Codes with share of notifications: H317 (99.9 %) may cause an allergic skin reaction; H351 (72.9 %) suspected of causing cancer; H350 (22.5 %) may cause cancer; H372 (99.7 %) causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure; H334 (10.3 %) may cause allergy or asthma symptoms if inhaled; H341 (13.5 %) suspected of causing genetic defects; H360F (18 %) may damage fertility; H412 (47.2 %) harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects.'
ghs:
- H317
- H334
- H341
- H350
- H351
- H360F
- H372
- H412
source: pubchem-ni
where: GHS Classification section, aggregated ECHA C&L notifications for nickel (CID 935)
- text: No safety data sheet for Nimonic 90 itself was read in this run. Cobalt (15.0 to 21.0 %) is also a major constituent and its hazard codes were not read.
ghs: []
source: sm90
where: Composition table (constituents named)
failure_risks:
- mode: Creep rupture under long load at 750 °C
trigger: Sustained stress at 750 °C for 1000 h or longer
consequence: The average stress to rupture in 1000 h at 750 °C is 275 MPa for extruded bar subsequently forged. The same table gives 1000 h values at 700, 815 and 870 °C, which were not entered (see gaps).
severity: moderate
source: sm90
where: Table 13, row 750 °C, GW line
- mode: Loss of proof strength at high temperature
trigger: Service at 800 °C and above in the heat-treated condition
consequence: 0.2 % proof stress of extruded bar falls from 752 MPa at 20 °C to 532 MPa at 800 °C and 306 MPa at 900 °C.
severity: moderate
source: sm90
where: Table 8, rows 20 °C, 800 °C and 900 °C, column 0.2% Proof Stress
- mode: Oxide scale spalling under cyclic heating
trigger: Repeated heating and cooling in air at 990 °C or above
consequence: Scale spalls after 250 h at 990 °C and after 75 h at 1110 °C in the datasheet cyclic test, with weight loss of 214 to 1107 mg/cm2 in 1000 h.
severity: moderate
source: sm90
where: Corrosion Resistance table, Cyclic Heating
- mode: Microfissuring in fusion welds above about 5 mm
trigger: Fusion welding (TIG or MIG) of sections thicker than about 5 mm
consequence: The datasheet says microfissuring may occur in both the weld and the heat-affected zone.
severity: moderate
source: sm90
where: Welding section
side_effects:
- text: Density is 8.18 g/cm3, so the weight of parts is high for the strength they carry in the heat-treated state.
affects: Mass of turbine parts and rotating components
source: sm90
where: Physical Properties, row Density
handling:
- text: Machine only in the fully heat-treated condition, where hardness is 250 to 350 HV and stringent machining is needed.
source: sm90
where: Machining section
- text: Hot work in the range 1050 to 1200 °C. Interstage anneal sheet at 1040 °C, then water quench or air cool.
source: sm90
where: Working Instructions, Hot Working and Annealing
- text: Weld solution-treated material only, and give post-weld heat treatment to recover properties.
source: sm90
where: Welding section
mitigations: []
uses:
- application: propulsion-and-tanks
device: Gas turbine blades and discs
example: The datasheet lists turbine blades and discs as uses. Wikipedia says Nimonic 90 was used on the Bristol Proteus aviation gas turbine, and Smiths lists gas turbine blades as its traditional use.
source: sm90
where: Opening paragraph (turbine blades, discs); see also wiki-nimonic (Uses) and smiths-nimonic90 (Applications)
- application: mechanisms
device: High-temperature springs
example: Aircraft Materials lists high-temperature springs among the typical applications, and BS HR501 cold-drawn wire is specified for springs. Smiths also lists high temperature springs.
source: acm90
where: Description paragraph and Specifications list (BS HR501)
- application: structures
device: Forgings and ring sections
example: The datasheet lists forgings and ring sections as uses, and gives forging stock and extruded section as standard product forms.
source: sm90
where: Opening paragraph and Available Products and Specifications
- application: propulsion-and-tanks
device: High performance engine valves and turbocharger parts
example: Smiths lists engine components, high performance engine valves and turbocharger applications, and says the alloy is popular in motorsport and automotive.
source: smiths-nimonic90
where: Applications line on the product page
supply:
- subject: Nickel (mine production, 2025 estimate)
producers:
- country: Indonesia
share_percent: 66.7
year: 2025
- country: Philippines
share_percent: 6.9
year: 2025
- country: Russia
share_percent: 5.1
year: 2025
- country: New Caledonia
share_percent: 3.6
year: 2025
- country: Canada
share_percent: 3.6
year: 2025
critical_lists: []
recycling: 'USGS: nickel recovered from scrap was about 60 % of apparent U.S. consumption in 2025, and most recycled nickel went into new alloys and stainless steel. Stainless and alloy steel plus nickel-containing alloys were more than 85 % of U.S. consumption.'
substitutes:
- 'USGS: low-nickel, duplex or ultrahigh-chromium stainless steels substitute for austenitic grades; titanium alloys can substitute for nickel or nickel-base alloys in corrosive environments.'
source: usgs-ni
where: World Mine Production and Reserves table, 2025e column (world total 3,900,000 t rounded; shares calculated by Space Mushroom from Indonesia 2,600,000, Philippines 270,000, Russia 200,000, New Caledonia 140,000 and Canada 140,000 t); Domestic Production and Use; Recycling; Substitutes
- subject: Cobalt (about 15 to 21 % of the alloy, mine production)
producers:
- country: Congo (Kinshasa)
share_percent: 73
year: 2025
- country: Indonesia
share_percent: 14
year: 2025
critical_lists: []
recycling: 'USGS: in 2025 the cobalt content of purchased scrap was 25 % of estimated U.S. cobalt consumption; secondary cobalt was 2,000 tons.'
substitutes:
- 'USGS: depending on application, substitution for cobalt could lose product performance; nickel-base alloys or ceramics are cited as substitutes in jet engines.'
source: usgs-co
where: Events, Trends, and Issues (Congo (Kinshasa) 73 % and Indonesia 14 % of world mined cobalt); Domestic Production and Use (51 % of U.S. cobalt in superalloys, mainly aircraft gas turbine engines); Substitutes
documents:
- title: Special Metals technical bulletin NIMONIC alloy 90, publication SMC-080 (2004)
type: datasheet
url: https://www.specialmetals.com/documents/technical-bulletins/nimonic-alloy-90.pdf
year: 2004
- title: Fort Wayne Metals, Nimonic alloy 90 product page (composition and physical properties)
type: datasheet
url: https://fwmetals.com/what-we-do/materials/high-performance-alloys/nimonic-alloy-90
- title: Smiths High Performance, Nimonic 90 product page (applications)
type: datasheet
url: https://www.smithshp.com/nimonic-90.htm
- title: Aircraft Materials, Nickel Alloy 90 / Nimonic 90 (UNS N07090)
type: datasheet
url: https://aircraftmaterials.com/data/nickel/nimonic90.html
- title: 'Wikipedia: Nimonic (history, Bristol Proteus use)'
type: database
url: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nimonic
- title: 'USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Nickel'
type: report
url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-nickel.pdf
year: 2026
- title: 'USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Cobalt'
type: report
url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-cobalt.pdf
year: 2026
- title: PubChem compound record for nickel (CID 935), GHS classification (ECHA C&L Inventory)
type: database
url: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/rest/pug_view/data/compound/935/JSON?heading=GHS+Classification
gaps:
- No spacecraft, rocket, satellite or launch-vehicle use of Nimonic 90 was found in the pages read. The search results gave gas turbine, jet engine, motorsport and automotive uses only, and the Goodfellow page's 'Space Technology' label is a generic marketing category, so it was not used. The uses section therefore has no space entry.
- No space-environment data (outgassing, atomic oxygen, radiation, thermal cycling in vacuum) were looked up for Nimonic 90.
- The safety data sheet for Nimonic 90 itself was not read. The hazard codes come from the PubChem nickel record, which describes the nickel constituent, not the alloy. Cobalt hazard codes were not read.
- Benchmarks creep_rupture_stress_1000h, oxidation_weight_loss_100h and hardness_hv are not in spores/property-canon.yaml and are used as short snake_case names. The canon file should be checked before import.
- Only one 1000 h creep rupture value (750 °C, Graham and Walles) is recorded. The 815 °C, 870 °C and 700 °C rows and the sheet creep table (Table 14) were read but not entered, to keep one form and one method per row.
- Atmospheric and seawater corrosion, stress-corrosion cracking and hydrogen effects were not found in the pages read.
- Electrical resistivity from the Fort Wayne Metals page (118 µohm·cm, 22 °C) was not entered, because the Special Metals value (1.18 µohm·m at 20 °C) is the one from the datasheet.
- 'The Fort Wayne Metals cold-worked table (0 %, 15 %, 60 %, 80 % cold work) was not used: the page text does not separate the columns cleanly, and the annealing condition for the 0 % row is not stated.'
- The Alloys International page gives an iron content of 58.5 % in its chemistry table, which is a mislabelled nickel figure. It was not used, and its melting point and density figures were not entered because they were not read from its table in this run.
- No ASTM, DIN or EN name (for example X-series or 1.xxxx material name) for Nimonic 90 was printed in a page read in this run, so only the designations listed above are recorded. ASTM B637 and B463 were named in search snippets but not read on a fetched page.
- Modulus of elasticity in tension (not dynamic) and the room-temperature hardness of extruded bar were not found. The sheet hardness of 243 HV in the datasheet was not entered because its condition is annealed sheet, not the bar condition used for the other values.
- Grain size, microstructure (gamma-prime volume) and the effect of cold work on creep were not read.
- USGS critical-mineral list membership for nickel and cobalt was not confirmed in the chapter text read, so critical_lists is empty for both. The nickel chapter cites Executive Order 14285 and nickel as an example of critical minerals in its text, which is recorded only as context.
- Cobalt and nickel supply shares are 2025 estimates from USGS. The nickel country shares are calculated from printed tonnages; the cobalt shares are printed in the text.
sources:
sm90:
title: NIMONIC alloy 90 (UNS N07090/W. Nr. 2.4632), Special Metals technical bulletin SMC-080
id: Special Metals publication SMC-080, copyright 2004
url: https://www.specialmetals.com/documents/technical-bulletins/nimonic-alloy-90.pdf
year: 2004
kind: datasheet
license: Manufacturer technical bulletin (cited, not reproduced)
fw-nimonic90:
title: Nimonic alloy 90, Fort Wayne Metals product page (chemical composition and physical properties)
id: AMS 5829, UNS N07090
url: https://fwmetals.com/what-we-do/materials/high-performance-alloys/nimonic-alloy-90
kind: datasheet
license: Supplier web page (cited, not reproduced)
smiths-nimonic90:
title: Nimonic 90, Smiths High Performance product page (applications)
url: https://www.smithshp.com/nimonic-90.htm
kind: web
license: Supplier web page (cited, not reproduced)
acm90:
title: Nickel Alloy 90 / Nimonic 90 (UNS N07090), Aircraft Materials
id: UNS N07090, Werkstoff Nr. 2.4632, AMS 5829, BS HR2, HR501
url: https://aircraftmaterials.com/data/nickel/nimonic90.html
kind: web
license: Supplier web page (cited, not reproduced)
wiki-nimonic:
title: 'Nimonic (Wikipedia): history, Wiggin Works and Bristol Proteus use'
url: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nimonic
kind: web
license: CC BY-SA 4.0 (cited, not reproduced)
usgs-ni:
title: Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Nickel
id: USGS MCS 2026
url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-nickel.pdf
year: 2026
kind: report
license: public domain (USGS)
usgs-co:
title: Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Cobalt
id: USGS MCS 2026
url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-cobalt.pdf
year: 2026
kind: report
license: public domain (USGS)
pubchem-ni:
title: PubChem compound record for nickel (CID 935), GHS classification from ECHA C&L Inventory
id: CID 935, CAS 7440-02-0
url: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/rest/pug_view/data/compound/935/JSON?heading=GHS+Classification
kind: database
license: PubChem (NCBI), public domain; ECHA data as attributed by PubChem
license: CC-BY-4.0
updated: '2026-10-26'
review:
status: draft
method: assistant
checked_values: 21
unreachable: 0
caveats: 6
note: Values were read by an AI assistant on 2026-10-26 from the pages and PDFs named in each entry. The datasheet values are typical values from one manufacturer's bulletin (2004). Strength rows are averages of named casts and forms, not minimum specifications. The creep, oxidation and hardness rows use snake_case benchmarks outside the canon. The hazard codes describe nickel, not the alloy. No space use was found.
story:
risk_groups:
- title: For people
lead: The hazard codes in the sources describe nickel, the largest constituent. No safety data sheet for the alloy itself was read.
level: 1
verdict: Nickel codes apply
points:
- label: Nickel as a constituent
line: PubChem's aggregated record for nickel lists H317 (allergic skin reaction, 99.9 % of notifications), H351 (suspected cancer, 72.9 %) and H372 (organ damage with prolonged exposure, 99.7 %). The signal word is Danger.
- label: Cobalt as a constituent
line: Cobalt makes up 15 to 21 % of the alloy. Its hazard codes were not read in this run.
- title: If it fails
lead: These failure routes come from the datasheet tests and the welding notes. None of them is a space result.
points:
- label: Creep at 750 °C
line: The 1000 h rupture stress at 750 °C is 275 MPa for extruded bar subsequently forged.
- label: Softening at 800 °C and above
line: 0.2 % proof stress falls from 752 MPa at 20 °C to 532 MPa at 800 °C and 306 MPa at 900 °C.
- label: Scale spalling
line: In a cyclic heating test, scale spalls after 250 h at 990 °C and after 75 h at 1110 °C.
- title: Handling and storage
points:
- label: Machine it soft or hard on purpose
line: Machine only in the fully heat-treated condition, where hardness is 250 to 350 HV.
- label: Weld with care
line: Fusion welds above about 5 mm can microfissure. Weld solution-treated material and give post-weld heat treatment.
why: Nimonic 90 was built to keep strength at high temperature. The Special Metals bulletin describes it as a wrought, age-hardened nickel-chromium-cobalt alloy with titanium and aluminium additions, for creep-resisting service up to 920 °C. Wikipedia says the Nimonic family was first developed at Wiggin Works in Hereford, England, to support the Whittle jet engine. Its density is 8.18 g/cm3, and in the heat-treated bar it still has a 0.2 % proof stress of 532 MPa at 800 °C.
uses:
- where: Gas turbine parts
line: The datasheet lists turbine blades and discs. Wikipedia says Nimonic 90 was used on the Bristol Proteus aviation gas turbine.
- where: Springs and engine parts
line: Aircraft Materials lists high-temperature springs. Smiths lists high performance engine valves and turbocharger parts.
- where: Forgings and rings
line: The datasheet lists forgings and ring sections, supplied as forging stock and extruded section.
can_do:
- label: Stay strong when hot
value: 532 MPa at 800 °C
benchmark: yield_strength
line: The 0.2 % proof stress of heat-treated extruded bar is 752 MPa at 20 °C and 532 MPa at 800 °C.
- label: Carry long loads at 750 °C
value: 275 MPa for 1000 h
benchmark: creep_rupture_stress_1000h
line: The average stress to rupture in 1000 h at 750 °C is 275 MPa for extruded bar subsequently forged.
- label: Weight
value: 8.18 g/cm3
benchmark: density
line: Density is 8.18 g/cm3 in the datasheet and in the Fort Wayne Metals page.
- label: Melting
value: 1310 to 1370 °C
benchmark: melting_point
line: The solidus is 1310 °C and the liquidus is 1370 °C in the datasheet.
- label: Thermal expansion
value: 12.7 µm/(m·K)
benchmark: cte
line: The mean coefficient of linear expansion from 20 to 100 °C is 12.7 µm/(m·K), rising to 16.2 µm/(m·K) for 20 to 800 °C.
compare: Compared with the other nickel superalloys on this site, Nimonic 90 is a wrought alloy rated to about 920 °C, with the datasheet giving proof and creep values from one manufacturer's bulletin. Read the rows below as examples of the same measures, not as a ranking, because the heat treatments and test methods differ between alloys.
compare_rows:
- label: Density
benchmark: density
- label: Thermal conductivity
benchmark: thermal_conductivity
- label: Thermal expansion
benchmark: cte
handling:
- 'Specify the heat treatment: 8 h at 1080 °C air cool plus 16 h at 700 °C air cool for bar.'
- Machine only in the fully heat-treated condition, expecting 250 to 350 HV.
- Hot work in the range 1050 to 1200 °C.
- Weld solution-treated material and give post-weld heat treatment.
good_for:
- 'High-temperature parts: 532 MPa proof stress at 800 °C in heat-treated extruded bar.'
- 'Long-term load at 750 °C: 275 MPa for 1000 h, average of 15 casts.'
- Gas turbine blades, discs, forgings and springs, as listed in the sources.
watch_out:
- 'Weight: 8.18 g/cm3, high for a thermal-structural part.'
- Scale spalls after 250 h at 990 °C under cyclic heating in the datasheet test.
- Fusion welds thicker than about 5 mm can microfissure.
- No spacecraft, rocket or satellite use was found in the sources, so this profile makes no space claim.
verdict: Nimonic 90 is a heat-treated wrought superalloy for turbine and forged parts up to about 920 °C, with 752 MPa proof stress at 20 °C and 532 MPa at 800 °C in the datasheet. It is heavy, hard to machine in its heat-treated state, and creep-limited at 750 °C over long times. The sources read contain no space use, outgassing or radiation data for it.
recipe:
line: Wrought nickel-chromium-cobalt alloy, age-hardened with titanium and aluminium. Bar is heat treated at 1080 °C for 8 h, air cooled, then at 700 °C for 16 h, air cooled (Special Metals). Composition in weight percent, AMS 5829 and UNS N07090 limits (Special Metals and Fort Wayne Metals).
parts:
- name: Nickel
symbol: Ni
share: balance
role: Matrix, face-centred cubic austenite that the age-hardening phases strengthen.
- name: Chromium
symbol: Cr
share: 18.0 to 21.0 wt %
role: Oxidation and corrosion resistance through the chromia scale.
- name: Cobalt
symbol: Co
share: 15.0 to 21.0 wt %
role: Solid-solution strengthening and high-temperature stability.
- name: Titanium
symbol: Ti
share: 2.0 to 3.0 wt %
role: Age-hardening addition with aluminium, forming gamma-prime precipitates.
- name: Aluminium
symbol: Al
share: 1.0 to 2.0 wt %
role: Age-hardening addition with titanium, forming gamma-prime precipitates.
- name: Iron, manganese, silicon, carbon, copper and others
symbol: Fe, Mn, Si, C, Cu
share: Fe 1.5 max, Mn 1.0 max, Si 1.0 max, C 0.13 max, Cu 0.2 max
role: Impurity and trace limits in the specification; carbon is limited as printed in the composition table.
References
Every number above carries a reference number. Click one to see the source and where in it the value comes from.
| # | Source | Type | Year | Used for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NIMONIC alloy 90 (UNS N07090/W. Nr. 2.4632), Special Metals technical bulletin SMC-080 | datasheet | 2004 | 36 values | |
| Nimonic alloy 90, Fort Wayne Metals product page (chemical composition and physical properties) | datasheet | 0 values | ||
| Nimonic 90, Smiths High Performance product page (applications) | web | 1 value | ||
| Nickel Alloy 90 / Nimonic 90 (UNS N07090), Aircraft Materials | web | 1 value | ||
| Nimonic (Wikipedia): history, Wiggin Works and Bristol Proteus use | web | 0 values | ||
| Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Nickel | report | 2026 | 1 value | |
| Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Cobalt | report | 2026 | 1 value | |
| PubChem compound record for nickel (CID 935), GHS classification from ECHA C&L Inventory | database | 1 value |