Monel

Monel is a nickel-copper alloy prized for exceptional resistance to seawater, hydrofluoric acid, and caustic alkalis. We supply Monel 400 in sheet and shim gauges for gasket fabrication, spiral wound gasket components, and corrosion-resistant shims in marine, chemical processing, and oil and gas applications.

At a Glance

Temperature Range

-200 °C to +538 °C continuous

Thickness Range

0.05 mm to 6 mm (shim and sheet)

Available Forms

SheetShimDie-cut gasketStrip
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Technical Properties

Typical values across stocked grades. Specific grade data sheets available on request.

UNS DesignationN04400 (Monel 400)
Density8.80 g/cm³
Tensile Strength (UTS)480 MPa min per ASTM B127 (annealed); typical 480–620 MPa
Yield Strength (0.2%)170–345 MPa (annealed)
Elongation at Break35–50% in 50 mm (ASTM E8)
Hardness110–180 HB (annealed)
Melting Range1300–1350 °C
Maximum Service Temperature538 °C continuous (oxidising atmospheres)
Thermal Conductivity21.8 W/m·K at 100 °C
Key Alloying Elements63–70% Nickel, 28–34% Copper (per ASTM B127)
MagneticWeakly magnetic below ~20–50 °C (Curie point varies by composition)

Alloy Composition

Nickel (Ni)

63.0–70.0%

Copper (Cu)

28.0–34.0%

Iron (Fe)

≤2.5%

Manganese (Mn)

≤2.0%

Carbon (C)

≤0.30%

Silicon (Si)

≤0.50%

Physical Characteristics

Density

8.80 g/cm³

Tensile Strength

480 MPa min per ASTM B127 (annealed); typical 480–620 MPa

Elongation at Break

35–50% in 50 mm (ASTM E8)

Thermal Conductivity

21.8 W/m·K at 100 °C

Chemical Resistance

Resistant To

  • Seawater and brackish water (excellent; the standard marine alloy for corrosive service)
  • Hydrofluoric acid in the liquid phase at ambient to moderate temperature. One of the few metals resistant to HF; see limitations for hot aerated HF vapour.
  • Caustic soda and other alkalis at high concentration and temperature
  • Deaerated sulphuric acid (dilute to moderate)
  • Fluorine and hydrogen fluoride gas
  • Neutral and alkaline salt solutions

Limited Resistance

  • Oxidising acids such as nitric acid and ferric chloride; Monel is vulnerable to oxidising media
  • Aerated sulphuric acid at elevated temperature
  • High-velocity seawater (erosion-corrosion risk)

Not Recommended

  • Nitric acid at any concentration. Use stainless steel or Hastelloy instead
  • Ferric chloride or cupric chloride solutions, which cause pitting
  • Strongly oxidising environments (Monel relies on reducing conditions for corrosion protection)
  • Sulphur-bearing gases above ~315 °C (600 °F per Special Metals SMC-053), where embrittlement is a risk

Standards & Certifications

Standards Compliance

ASTM B127 (Monel 400 plate, sheet, strip)ASME SB-127 (pressure vessel)NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156-3 (sour service; Monel 400 qualified)

Common Applications

  • Marine and offshore flange gaskets (seawater service)
  • Hydrofluoric acid alkylation unit gaskets
  • Caustic evaporator and concentrator seals
  • Oil and gas production (sour service gaskets)
  • Spiral wound gasket winding and inner rings
  • Chemical processing vessel gaskets (reducing acids)
  • Submarine and naval equipment seals
  • Salt production and brine processing

Not Recommended For

  • Vulnerable to oxidising acids such as nitric acid and ferric chloride. Performs in reducing environments only; use Hastelloy for oxidising media.
  • Subject to stress corrosion cracking in hot, aerated hydrofluoric acid vapour. Verify conditions before specifying.
  • Higher cost than 316 stainless steel, only justified where the specific corrosion resistance is needed
  • Work-hardens during machining, so sharp tooling and appropriate speeds are required
  • Sulphur attack above ~315 °C (600 °F per Special Metals SMC-053): avoid contact with sulphur-bearing gases at elevated temperature

Available Grades

Monel 400 Sheet

Standard nickel-copper alloy sheet for gasket fabrication and corrosion-resistant shims. Our standard alloy for seawater and hydrofluoric acid service.

Monel 400 Shim (0.05–0.5 mm)

Precision-rolled thin-gauge Monel 400 for shimming and spacing in marine and chemical environments.

Need Monel?

We supply monel in sheet, roll, and custom die-cut forms. Contact our team for pricing, data sheets, or technical assistance.

Disclaimer

This resource is provided for general engineering reference only and does not constitute professional advice, specification, or guarantee of performance. Actual results depend on specific application conditions. Universal Gaskets Pty Ltd accepts no responsibility or liability for decisions made based on this information. For full terms, see our Terms & Conditions.