Hastelloy vs Monel: What Is the Difference?

by | Sep 15, 2025 | Blog | 0 comments

Nickel-based alloys play a crucial role in industries that demand materials resistant to corrosion, oxidation, and extreme temperatures. Amongst these, Hastelloy and Monel stand out for their exceptional performance, yet they serve different purposes due to their unique compositions and properties. This blog answers the common question on what is the difference between Monel and Hastelloy? Kalpataru Piping Solutions, a trusted manufacturer and supplier of premium nickel-based alloys, explains the composition, key grades, mechanical and chemical properties, applications, and price comparison to help engineers and procurement professionals make informed alloy selections.

What is Hastelloy?

Hastelloy Material is a trademarked family of corrosion-resistant metal alloys primarily composed of nickel, along with significant chromium, molybdenum, and iron content. Known for exceptional durability in harsh chemical and high-temperature environments, hastelloy alloy is favored in critical process applications involving aggressive media.

Hastelloy Chemical Composition

Typical Hastelloy chemical composition includes:

Component

Nickel (Ni)

Chromium (Cr)

Molybdenum (Mo)

Iron (Fe)

Others (Co, Ti, Mn)

Typical % Range

Majority

15–20%

10–16%

Up to 7%

Trace amounts

Role

Base element, corrosion resistance, thermal stability

Oxidation resistance enhancer

Resists pitting, crevice corrosion

Increases strength and stability

Minor alloying to enhance strength, corrosion resistance

Hastelloy Properties

Key Hastelloy mechanical properties include:

  • Superior tensile strength (up to around 800 MPa)
  • High melting point (~1320–1370 °C)
  • Excellent corrosion resistance across a broad range of chemicals
  • Outstanding thermal shock resistance and compatibility with welding processes

These properties make Hastelloy alloys usable in advanced aerospace, nuclear, and chemical processing sectors.

What is Monel?

Monel Material is a trademarked nickel-copper alloy known for its excellent corrosion resistance in saltwater and acidic environments. It is primarily used where toughness and corrosion resistance to marine and acidic conditions are important.

Monel Chemical Composition

Element

Nickel (Ni)

Copper (Cu)

Iron (Fe)

Manganese (Mn)

Others (C, Si, S, etc.)

Typical %

60–70%

20–30%

≤2.5%

≤2.0%

Trace amounts

Role

Primary base, structural stability, corrosion resistance

Enhances corrosion resistance in seawater and brine

Adds strength and toughness

Contributes to overall mechanical properties

Trace elements improve specific alloy characteristics



Monel Mechanical Properties

  • Good tensile strength range (varies widely, around 550–1100 MPa based on grade)
  • Moderate melting point (~1300–1350 °C)
  • Excellent resistance to seawater corrosion and biofouling
  • High work-hardening rate, giving good strength but making machining more challenging

Monel 400 vs Hastelloy C276: Grade Comparison

Two of the most popular grades representing these alloy families are Monel 400 and Hastelloy C276.

Hastelloy C276

Hastelloy C276 material is a versatile corrosion-resistant alloy with high molybdenum and chromium content, typically used in severe chemical environments. It shows remarkable resistance to oxidizing and reducing agents and is often employed in chemical reactors, heat exchangers, and pharmaceutical equipment.

Monel 400

Monel 400 alloy is the most widely used Monel grade, especially in marine and chemical service. Its robustness in seawater, resistance to biofouling, and moderate toughness make it ideal for piping, valves, and pump components.

Hastelloy vs Monel: Which is Better?

The Hastelloy melting point & monel melting points are varies depending on the specific grade. For example, Hastelloy C276 and Monel 400 each have different melting points, which makes them suited to different high-temperature applications. For instance:

Alloy

Melting Point (°C)

Hastelloy C276

1320–1370

Monel 400

1300–1350

Tensile Strength of Monel and Hastelloy

Alloy Tensile Strength (MPa)
Hastelloy C276 ~690–783
Monel 400 ~550–1100
While Monel 400 can achieve higher tensile strength through work hardening, Hastelloy offers more consistent strength at elevated temperatures.

Machinability of Monel vs Hastelloy

  • Hastelloy machinability is generally challenging due to hardness and toughness; specialized tools and slower feed rates are often necessary.
  • Monel machinability is better, though it work hardens and requires moderate machining care.

Corrosion Resistance: Monel vs Hastelloy Alloy

  • Hastelloy corrosion resistance is superior in oxidizing and reducing acids, offering long-term durability in aggressive chemical plants.
  • Monel 400 corrosion resistance excels in marine environments, resisting chloride stress corrosion and biofouling effectively.

Thermal Conductivity: Monel vs Hastelloy Alloy

  • Monel has slightly better thermal conductivity (~21 W/m·K) compared to Hastelloy (~11 W/m·K), which matters in heat exchanger and cooling system design.

Monel vs Hastelloy Price Comparison

Alloy

Average Price (USD/kg)

Hastelloy C276

$50–$70

Monel 400

$30–$50

Hastelloy is more expensive due to its complex alloying and enhanced performance. Monel is an economical choice for corrosion resistance in less severe conditions.

Hastelloy vs Monel: Uses

  • Hastelloy applications: Chemical reactors, nuclear fuel processing, aerospace parts, heat exchangers requiring resistance to oxidizing/reducing agents.
  • Monel applications: Marine hardware, desalination plants, acid pickling equipment, piping and valves in moderate chemical environments.

Hastelloy vs Monel: Which Should You Choose?

The choice is depends on the environment and mechanical demands:

  • Use Hastelloy for harsh chemical exposure, high temperature, and where mechanical strength cannot be compromised.
  • Use Monel for cost-effective corrosion resistance, especially in seawater or mild acid conditions.

Leading manufacturer & supplier for Monel and Hastelloy

Understanding the difference between Monel and Hastelloy is key for engineers and procurement professionals aiming to maximize asset longevity while controlling costs. Hastelloy leads in strength and chemical resilience; Monel offers superior marine corrosion resistance and machinability benefits. Selecting the optimum alloy depends on application specifics, durability needs, and budget constraints.

Kalpataru Piping Solutions is a leading manufacturer & supplier offering premium Hastelloy and Monel products, including sheets, plates, pipes, and fittings for diverse global industries.

FAQ – Hastelloy vs Monel

Is Hastelloy better than Monel?
Hastelloy is stronger and more resistant to high-temperature and chemical corrosion; Monel is better for marine environments.
How to choose between Monel and Hastelloy?
Consider the operating environment, corrosion type, temperature, and budget.
Is Monel suitable for shipbuilding?
Yes, Monel’s copper content offers excellent seawater corrosion resistance, ideal for marine construction.
Does Monel rust in seawater?
Monel is highly resistant to seawater corrosion, though maintenance is required in extremely aggressive conditions.
Can you weld Monel to Hastelloy?
Welding is possible but requires specialized filler metals and controlled procedures.
What is the difference between Monel 400 and Hastelloy C276?
Monel 400 is nickel-copper based with excellent marine resistance; Hastelloy C276 is nickel-chromium-molybdenum based with superior chemical and temperature resistance.
Why is Hastelloy more expensive than Monel?
Due to its alloy complexity, higher corrosion resistance, and superior mechanical properties in demanding environments.

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