NICKEL
Electric Energy
Storage
Nickel has long been used in several types of rechargeable batteries. Recently, the increased use of nickel in lithium-ion batteries has helped give these batteries greater energy density and storage capacity at a lower cost.
As a result, the cathode content of next-generation batteries for electric vehicles has increased from 30% to 80% to boost energy density. The competitive costs of storing renewable wind and solar energy in nickel-based batteries are encouraging the adoption of these intermittent energy sources as replacements for fossil fuels.
STAINLESS STEEL AND ALLOYS
HIGH PERFORMANCE
Food preparation
and appliances
Equipment used for industrial food preparation (cooking, pasteurization...) and at home (cookware, sinks...) is largely made of stainless steel, as it must resist heat, corrosion and be easy to wash.
Medical
and surgical equipment
Stainless steel is commonly used for medical equipment (imaging, treatment), surgical tools and certain prostheses (pivots, implants, stimulators, etc.), as it is easy to sterilize and lends good durability to products.
Heavy industry, chemicals
and pharmaceuticals
Many industrial processes require the use of equipment and parts that can withstand the aggressiveness of the products used (acids, bases, etc.) and the treatments applied (high temperatures, etc.). Stainless steel is widely used in the construction of tanks, chemical reactors and piping networks.
Water supply
and treatment
The use of stainless steel increases the longevity of water supply networks (pipes, wells, pumps) and limits the corrosion that can lead to leaks and sources of contamination. It is also used in plants that treat water to make it fit for consumption (tanks, piping, desalination plants, etc.) and in wastewater treatment systems.
Construction
and architecture
Stainless steel is often used as exterior and interior cladding in architecture for its weather resistance and aesthetic appeal. When used in concrete reinforcement, it doubles the service life of infrastructure.
Production
of energy
Nickel is also widely used in renewable energy production facilities (wind turbine components, hydroelectric turbines).
Means of transport
Means of transport Due to their resistance to high temperatures, oxidation, and corrosion, as well as their low expansion and deformation over time, nickel-containing steels and alloys are widely used in vehicle manufacturing, starting with cars (exhaust valves, thermostats, gearboxes, etc.).
In trains, subways, and trams, nickel-containing steels are used to reinforce structures and increase their durability. In addition to greater resistance in the event of fire, they absorb energy better in the event of impact.
Nickel-based alloys are also preferred in shipbuilding and the construction of offshore installations (e.g., wind turbines, oil platforms) that must withstand marine conditions.
In the aerospace industry, nickel-based alloys are used in axles and turbines. The improved efficiency they bring to engines by operating at higher temperatures saves fuel. They are also essential in the manufacture of molds used for lightweight parts such as carbon fiber parts, which help reduce aircraft weight.
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LOCATION
Nickel is used in plating to provide a protective layer, facilitate solder adhesion, or protect materials from electromagnetic interference. Nickel is most commonly used for plating coins, but it is also widely used in electronic components such as computer hard drives, microprocessors, and integrated circuits, as well as in the aerospace and automotive industries.
