Nichrome is an alloy of Nickel and Chromium. Nicrome is used widely in heating elements. It has a high melting point of 1400 degrees celsius.
Nichrome is resistant to oxidation and is stable at high temperatures. When heated, Nichrome forms a layer of Chromium oxide on the surface which prevents further oxidation.
Following are some of the physical properties of Nichrome.
Electrical Resistivity at room temperature : 1.0 x 10-6 to 1.5 x 10-6 ohm m
Thermal Conductivity : 11.3 W/moC
Magnetic Attraction : None
Thermal Expansion Coefficient (20oC to 100oC) : 13.4 x 10-6/oC
Temperature Coefficient of Resistivity (25oC to 100oC) : 100 ppm/oC
Specific Gravity : 8.4
Density : 8400 kg/m3
Melting point : 1400oC
Specific Heat : 450 J/kgoC
Modulus of elasticity : 2.2 x 1011