Nickel
Nickel (Ni), is a chemical element and ferromagnetic metal, Group 10 (VIIIb) of the periodic table. It is silvery white, tough, and hard, it is extremely resistant to oxidation and corrosion.
It is a familiar because of its use in coins, but it is important as a pure metal and in alloys, in particular in the manufacture of stainless steel for which over half of the worlds nickel is used. It is also used for nickel and copper alloys, as well as other steels, in nickel plating of iron and brass, and in coating chemistry equipment with a shiny metallic finish.
Nickel coated stainless was invented in the early 1900's and was used as a cladding material in a number of high profile buildings in the 20's and 30's, such as, quite early on, the Savoy hotel in London, then the Chrysler and Empire State Buildings in New York City in the 30's. The introduction of curtain walling as a modular construction method in the 50's continued to grow the demand for the use of nickel in stainless steel structural elements, including the Louvre pyramid in Paris.
For every ton of steel produced in 2018 an average of 1.85 tons of carbon dioxide were emitted, this equated to about 8 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions. Steel and stainless steel however can and are recycled. Depending on end use, an average of around 85% of steel is recycled, whilst over 99% of steel from scrap cars is recycled, though the process does require energy, but it is less that for virgin steel.
As a compound, nickel also has a number of chemical uses; as a catalyst for hydrogenation, in cathodes for rechargeable batteries (for which demand has also increased dramatically), as well as in pigments. It is also an essential nutrient for some microorganisms and plants.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Constructing steel buildings.
- Corrosion resistance.
- Failure of metals.
- Galvanised steel.
- Metal fabrication.
- Rust.
- Stainless steel.
- Stainless steel vs. galvanised steel.
- Stainless steel fabrication in building.
- Stainless steel in construction
- Structural steelwork.
- Super-strength steel structures.
- Types of metal.
- Types of steel.
Featured articles and news
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.
The 2025 draft NPPF in brief with indicative responses
Local verses National and suitable verses sustainable: Consultation open for just over one week.
Increased vigilance on VAT Domestic Reverse Charge
HMRC bearing down with increasing force on construction consultant says.
Call for greater recognition of professional standards
Chartered bodies representing more than 1.5 million individuals have written to the UK Government.
Cutting carbon, cost and risk in estate management
Lessons from Cardiff Met’s “Halve the Half” initiative.
Inspiring the next generation to fulfil an electrified future
Technical Manager at ECA on the importance of engagement between industry and education.
Repairing historic stone and slate roofs
The need for a code of practice and technical advice note.
Environmental compliance; a checklist for 2026
Legislative changes, policy shifts, phased rollouts, and compliance updates to be aware of.