Volcanic eruptions release large amounts of nickel in lava flows suggesting that the inner regions of the earth contain higher concentrations of the metal than the crust. Meteorites have been found to contain concentrated deposits of nickel bound to iron, and high concentrations of nickel can be found in sea nodules, which are dense mineral deposits on the ocean floor.
Traces of nickel are also present in the air — the legacy of industrial operations such as metal refining, oil and coal power plants, and trash incinerators.
A survey of U. To put this in perspective, the United States Environmental Protection Agency recommends that people should avoid breathing air containing more than 50 micrograms millionths of a gram of nickel per cubic meter, a value more than five hundred times greater than the highest atmospheric concentration measured in a U. The process of refining and combusting ores containing nickel creates volatile forms of nickel such as nickel carbonyl and nickel dust. These compounds can be toxic when they are inhaled directly at high concentrations over a long period of time, and workers in these industries must be protected against exposure to these compounds to safeguard their health.
Nickel has been a favored component of coins because it is bright and takes a fine polish and because it is lighter than copper, silver and other metals commonly used in coin currency. In , Switzerland became the first modern nation to officially employ nickel in its coinage. The U. Though the U. Because nickel does not easily oxidize, or rust, the metal was adapted as an electroplating material in the s. Electroplating is a process in which metal ions in a chemical solution are attracted to a solid metal electrode.
As the ions bind to the surface of the metal they form a uniform, thin coating. Electroplating a metal surface with nickel can form a layer that protects against corrosion.
As the electrochemistry of nickel became better understood, it was adapted for use in batteries. Today nickel and cadmium compounds are used to produce rechargeable nickel-cadmium Ni-Cd batteries. The metal has the unusual properties of being hard — strong, able to withstand breaking under high forces — and ductile — able to yield or bend before breaking or cracking.
In addition, nickel is chemically similar to iron but with particularly good resistance to oxidation. Because of its similarity to iron, nickel can readily substitute for iron in steel alloys or mixtures. The addition of nickel to steel increases its strength, ductility, its rust resistance and its value.
So-called stainless steels, which contain chromium and between 5 and 25 percent nickel, are used in countless applications. The corrosion resistant properties of this steel make it ideal for use in cutlery, faucets, sinks, outdoor equipment, motorized vehicles and cookwear.
Nickel is an inexpensive metal that resists tarnishing and gives the appearance of silver and other more expensive metals. Nickel does have some problems, however. Many people are allergic to the metal, which can cause rashes and other problems, and nickel will tarnish over time, especially if exposed to moisture. It you treat nickel properly, it is possible to avoid many of its pitfalls. People who have only minor allergies to the metal may find they can still wear nickel when it's treated properly.
Create a cleaner consisting of one-part vinegar and one-part water. Operating System. Acetone shouldn't do anything to nickel plating at all. Can nickel plating be removed? Convenient, easy-to-mix and use liquid completely removes both electrolytic and electroless nickel from steel, copper and copper alloys without heating or agitation.
Safe and simple to use; usual stripping time is 30 minutes to 4 hours. Does nickel plating rust? Yes, and thank you for saying corrosion resistant, rather than corrosion proof. For all its wonderful properties, steel's great weakness had always been oxidation rust.
Unlike steel, nickel does not decompose as it oxidizes, but forms a layer of nickel oxide that prevents further oxidation from occurring. What is the difference between nickel plating and chrome plating? Plating is where a metal layer is applied to a component, and it offers a number of benefits that can increase equipment performance. In terms of appearance, chrome plating provides a shiny and smooth exterior, while nickel plating creates a glossier surface with a yellowish hue.
Which is better chrome or nickel plating? Nickel plating is corrosion resistant but tarnishes easily. Nickel isn't as hard as chrome and will age nicely with normal use. Usually the metal is copper plated before the nickel is applied. The benefits of chrome are that it is very durable, corrosion resistant, and won't tarnish.
How do you remove tarnish from nickel? Apply a darkening solution with a soft towel. A darkening solution instantly tarnishes nickel- or zinc-plated surfaces. Once you achieve the color that you want, rinse the item in water and towel it dry. Test the darkening solution in an area that is not readily visible to make sure you don't damage the piece.
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