Nimonic 90: High-Temperature Creep-Resistant Nickel Superalloy

· Published: 2026-08-10 · Updated: August 2026

Quick Reference

Nimonic 90 is a nickel-chromium-cobalt superalloy developed by Special Metals Corporation for high-temperature service up to 920°C. It is precipitation-hardened by gamma-prime (Ni3(Al,Ti)) and offers excellent creep resistance, high tensile...

Nimonic 90 is a nickel-chromium-cobalt superalloy developed by Special Metals Corporation for high-temperature service up to 920°C. It is precipitation-hardened by gamma-prime (Ni3(Al,Ti)) and offers excellent creep resistance, high tensile strength, and good oxidation resistance at elevated temperatures. Nimonic 90 is widely used in gas turbine engine components including turbine blades, discs, and combustion chambers, as well as in exhaust valves for high-performance internal combustion engines. The alloy contains approximately 19% chromium, 17% cobalt, 2.5% titanium, and 1.5% aluminum, balanced with nickel.

Quick Facts

Category
Standard
Density8.27 g/cm³
Yield Strength
Tensile Strength

Global Equivalents & Cross-Reference

Alternative Standard / GradeAction
UNS N07090 Compare
Waspaloy Compare
René 41 Compare

Related Materials

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Calculate the weight based on this material's density: 8.27 g/cm³

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum service temperature for Nimonic 90?

Nimonic 90 can operate continuously at temperatures up to 920°C (1688°F) in oxidizing atmospheres. For short-term exposure, it can withstand temperatures up to 980°C.

How does Nimonic 90 compare to Inconel 718?

Nimonic 90 has higher cobalt content (17% vs none) and higher service temperature (920°C vs 700°C) than Inconel 718. However, Inconel 718 has higher room-temperature strength (1034 MPa vs 1170 MPa yield) and is more weldable. Nimonic 90 is preferred for very high-temperature turbine applications.

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

Specialty Metals — Engineering Reference

Non-ferrous metals — aluminum, copper, titanium, zinc, magnesium — serve applications where steel cannot: electrical conductivity, thermal management, weight reduction, corrosion resistance in specific chemical environments. Each metal family has its own classification system and selection logic.

Key Standards

ASTM B209/B221 (Al), ASTM B152/B187 (Cu), ASTM B265/B348 (Ti), ASTM B86 (Zn), ASTM B90/B91 (Mg)

Common Uses

Electrical wiring and busbars (Cu), aircraft structures and automotive bodies (Al), medical implants and aerospace fasteners (Ti), die-cast consumer products (Zn), lightweight electronic enclosures (Mg)

Engineer's Note

Galvanic corrosion is the #1 failure mode in multi-metal assemblies. When joining dissimilar metals, consult the galvanic series: the more anodic metal will corrode preferentially. Use isolating washers, protective coatings, or select metals close together on the galvanic series.