ALLOY-20

alloy 20

Alloy 20 – Corrosion-Resistant Alloy for Critical Industrial Use

Alloy 20 is a high-performance, corrosion-resistant alloy specifically engineered to withstand harsh chemical environments—especially sulfuric acid. Also known by its UNS designation N08020, this nickel-iron-chromium-based austenitic alloy offers excellent resistance to pitting, chloride stress corrosion cracking, and general corrosion.

At Pacific Stainless Alloys, we supply premium-grade Alloy 20 materials to meet the rigorous demands of industries such as chemical processing, pharmaceuticals, food production, and marine engineering. With its outstanding durability and cost-efficiency, Alloy 20 ensures long service life in the most challenging environments.

  • Exceptional resistance to sulfuric acid and aggressive chemicals
  • Good mechanical properties for fabrication
  • Non-magnetic in the annealed condition
  • Suitable for a wide range of industrial applications

Detailed Chemical Composition of Alloy 20

The corrosion resistance and mechanical reliability of Alloy 20 stem from its precisely engineered chemical composition. The balanced addition of nickel, chromium, molybdenum, and copper enhances its performance in corrosive and acidic environments.

  • Nickel (Ni): 32.0–38.0%
  • Chromium (Cr): 19.0–21.0%
  • Iron (Fe): Balance
  • Molybdenum (Mo): 2.0–3.0%
  • Copper (Cu): 3.0–4.0%
  • Carbon (C): ≤ 0.06%
  • Manganese (Mn): ≤ 2.0%
  • Silicon (Si): ≤ 1.0%
  • Phosphorus (P): ≤ 0.035%
  • Sulfur (S): ≤ 0.035%
  • Niobium (Cb/Ta): Stabilized to prevent intergranular corrosion

This unique chemical profile allows Pacific Stainless Alloys' Alloy 20 products to outperform standard stainless steels in highly corrosive environments.

Physical Properties Relevant to Design and Fabrication

Industrial engineers rely on Alloy 20 for its consistent and predictable physical behavior across varying temperatures. At Pacific Stainless Alloys, we ensure that our materials meet the highest quality standards for performance and reliability.

  • Density: 8.1 g/cm³
  • Melting Point Range: 1357–1430°C
  • Modulus of Elasticity: ~195 GPa
  • Electrical Resistivity: ~1.07 µΩ·m
  • Magnetic Behavior: Non-magnetic when annealed

These attributes make Alloy 20 ideal for pressure vessels, tanks, and other components exposed to demanding processing conditions.

Mechanical Strength and Ductility of Alloy 20

Offering a strong balance of strength, ductility, and formability, Alloy 20 is engineered for structural integrity under pressure. It’s easily fabricated and welded, making it suitable for complex industrial systems.

  • Tensile Strength: ≥ 550 MPa
  • Yield Strength (0.2% offset): ≥ 240 MPa
  • Elongation: ≥ 30%
  • Hardness (Rockwell B): ~80–95

Pacific Stainless Alloys supplies Alloy 20 in various forms—sheet, plate, bar, and custom fabrications—to meet diverse mechanical requirements.

Thermal Characteristics and Operating Limits

Alloy 20 maintains its integrity even under fluctuating and high-temperature conditions, making it a top choice for thermal process equipment.

  • Thermal Conductivity: ~10.7 W/m·K at 100°C
  • Coefficient of Thermal Expansion: ~13.3 µm/m·°C (20–100°C)
  • Maximum Operating Temperature: ~550°C in oxidizing environments

Applications such as heat exchangers and chemical reactors benefit from Pacific Stainless Alloys’ precision-processed Alloy 20, ensuring long-term performance in heat-intensive environments.

International Standards and Alternate Designations

Alloy 20 is globally recognized and standardized, facilitating seamless procurement across international supply chains.

  • UNS: N08020
  • Werkstoff Nr.: 2.4660
  • ASTM: B463, B464, B473, B366
  • EN/DIN: 2.4660
  • Common Trade Names: Carpenter® 20, Alloy 20Cb-3®

Pacific Stainless Alloys stocks Alloy 20 compliant with global standards, making sourcing straightforward and reliable for your projects worldwide.

Common Industrial Applications of Alloy 20

Due to its versatility and exceptional corrosion resistance, Alloy 20 is widely used in industries that demand long-term performance under chemical, thermal, or marine stress.

  • Chemical Processing Plants: Reactors, storage tanks, piping systems
  • Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: Sanitary-grade piping, mixing vessels
  • Food and Beverage Industry: Equipment exposed to acidic agents and cleaning cycles
  • Petrochemical Refineries: Columns, separators, exchangers
  • Marine and Coastal Structures: Piping, fittings exposed to saltwater
  • Desalination and Water Treatment: Heat-resistant pumps and evaporators

Pacific Stainless Alloys works closely with engineers and procurement teams to deliver Alloy 20 solutions tailored to these critical applications.


Our Export Market

We export our stainless steel and alloy steel products across the globe, trusted for our quality, reliability, and commitment to every customer.

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