Hastelloy C-276 (UNS N10276): Universal Corrosion-Resistant Nickel Alloy for Chemical Processing

ASTM B575 / ASTM B622 / ASME SB-575 · Published: 2026-05-31 · Updated: 2026-05-31

Quick Reference

Hastelloy C-276 is a nickel-molybdenum-chromium-tungsten wrought alloy with exceptional resistance to both oxidizing AND reducing environments — the combination that makes it a 'universal' corrosion solution where most metals fail in one regime...

Hastelloy C-276 is a nickel-molybdenum-chromium-tungsten wrought alloy with exceptional resistance to both oxidizing AND reducing environments — the combination that makes it a 'universal' corrosion solution where most metals fail in one regime or the other. The high molybdenum (15-17%) and tungsten (3.0-4.5%) content provides pitting resistance (PREN ~65 — approximately twice 316L) and resistance to reducing acids (HCl, H2SO4), while chromium (14.5-16.5%) provides resistance to oxidizing media. C-276 was specifically engineered to overcome the weld-decay and heat-affected-zone corrosion problems of C-276's predecessor (Hastelloy C) through low carbon (<0.01%) and controlled silicon/manganese to suppress continuous grain-boundary carbide precipitation.

Quick Facts

CategoryNickel Alloy
StandardASTM B575 / ASTM B622 / ASME SB-575
Density8.89 g/cm³
Yield Strength355 MPa (52 ksi) minimum (annealed)
Tensile Strength790 MPa (115 ksi) minimum (annealed)

Global Equivalents & Cross-Reference

Alternative Standard / GradeAction
EN NiMo16Cr15W Compare
DIN 2.4819 Compare
Nicrofer 5716 Compare
Inconel C-276 Compare

Related Materials

🧮 Material Weight Calculator

Calculate the weight based on this material's density: 8.89 g/cm³

Frequently Asked Questions

When should Hastelloy C-276 be specified vs super-duplex stainless?

C-276 is required when: (1) the environment contains reducing acids (HCl, H₂SO₄ at concentrations and temperatures that depassivate stainless); (2) oxidizing chloride solutions at temperatures above 60°C where 316L and duplex 2205 pit within hours; (3) wet chlorine gas, chlorine dioxide, or hypochlorite solutions; (4) mixed acid systems (e.g., HNO₃ + HF mixtures in pickling baths) where stainless dissolves and titanium explodes. The cost ratio is approximately 8-12× duplex 2205 and 4-6× super-austenitic 6% Mo grades (254 SMO/AL-6XN), so C-276 is specified only when lower-cost alternatives are definitively inadequate. Always perform in-situ corrosion coupon testing before committing to C-276 — lab immersion tests in simulated solutions can underestimate real process corrosion rates by 5-10×.

References & International Standards

  • ASTM International. Standard Specifications for Steel & Metal Alloys. astm.org
  • International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Metallic Materials — Cross-Reference Database. iso.org
  • American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). Steel Grade Designations & Equivalents. steel.org
  • European Committee for Standardization (CEN). EN Steel Standards & Numbering System. cencenelec.eu