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Nichrome - An Overview

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