EP2582854B1 - Nickel based alloy - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a nickel-based alloy.

Nickel-base alloys are used inter alia to produce electrodes of ignition elements for internal combustion engines. These electrons are exposed to temperatures between 400 ° C and 950 ° C. In addition, the atmosphere changes between reducing and oxidizing conditions. This produces a material destruction or loss due to high-temperature corrosion in the surface region of the electrodes. The generation of the spark leads to a further load (spark erosion). Temperatures of several 1000 ° C occur at the base of the spark, and currents of up to 100 A flow in the first nanoseconds during a breakthrough. With each flashover, a limited volume of material in the electrodes is melted and partially vaporized, producing a loss of material.

In addition, vibrations from the engine increase the mechanical loads.

• eine gute Beständigkeit gegen Hochtemperaturkorrosion, insbesondere Oxidation, aber auch Sulfidierung, Aufkohlung und Nitrierung;
• eine Beständigkeit gegen die durch den Zündfunken entstehende Erosion;
• der Werkstoff sollte nicht empfindlich gegen Thermoschocks und warmfest sein;
• der Werkstoff soll eine gute Wärmeleitfähigkeit, eine gute elektrische Leitfähigkeit und einen ausreichend hohen Schmelzpunkt haben;
• der Werkstoff sollte sich gut verarbeiten lassen und preisgünstig sein.

An electrode material should have the following properties:

• a good resistance to high-temperature corrosion, in particular oxidation, but also sulfidation, carburizing and nitriding;
• a resistance to the erosion caused by the spark;
• the material should not be sensitive to thermal shocks and heat-resistant;
• the material should have a good thermal conductivity, a good electrical conductivity and a sufficiently high melting point;
• The material should be easy to process and be inexpensive.

In particular, nickel alloys have a good potential to fulfill this property spectrum. They are inexpensive compared to precious metals, show no phase transformations to the melting point, such as cobalt or iron, are relatively insensitive to carburizing and Nitriding, have good heat resistance, good corrosion resistance and are easy to form and weld.

Wear by high temperature corrosion can be determined by mass change measurements as well as by metallographic analysis after aging at given test temperatures.

For both damage mechanisms, high-temperature corrosion and spark erosion, the type of oxide layer formation is of particular importance.

In order to achieve an optimum oxide layer formation for the specific application, various alloying elements are known in nickel-based alloys.

In the following, all concentrations are in mass%, unless expressly stated otherwise.

By the DE 29 36 312 For instance, a generic nickel alloy has been disclosed consisting of about 0.2 to 3% Si, about 0.5% or less Mn, at least two metals selected from the group consisting of about 0.2 to 3% Cr, about 0.2 up to 3% Al and about 0.01 to 1% Y, balance nickel.

In the DE-A 102 24 891 A1, a nickel-based alloy is proposed which comprises 1.8 to 2.2% silicon, 0.05 to 0.1% yttrium and / or hafnium and / or zirconium, 2 to 2.4% aluminum, balance nickel. Such alloys can be processed only in difficult conditions with respect to the high aluminum and silicon contents and are therefore not very suitable for large-scale industrial use.

In the EP 1 867 739 A1 For example, a nickel-base alloy comprising 1.5 to 2.5% silicon, 1.5 to 3% aluminum, 0 to 0.5% manganese, 0.5 to 0.2% titanium is proposed in combination with 0.1 to 0.3% zirconium, wherein the zirconium can be replaced in whole or in part by the double mass hafnium.

In the DE 10 2006 035 111 A1 For example, there is proposed a nickel-base alloy comprising 1.2 to 2.0% aluminum, 1.2 to 1.8% silicon, 0.001 to 0.1% carbon, 0.001 to 0.1% sulfur, and 0.1% or less chromium , maximum 0.01% manganese, maximum 0.1% Cu, maximum 0.2% iron, 0.005 to 0.06% magnesium, maximum 0.005% lead 0.05 to 0.15% Y and 0.05 to 0, 10% hafnium or lanthanum or 0.05 to 0.10% each hafnium and lanthanum, balance nickel and manufacturing-related impurities.

In the brochure "Wires of ThyssenKrupp VDM Automobilindustrie" issue, on page 18, a state-of-the-art alloy - NiCr2MnSi with 1.4 to 1.8% Cr, max. 0.3% Fe, max. 0.5% C, 1.3 to 1.8% Mn, 0.4 to 0.65% Si, max. 0.15% Cu and max. 0.15% Ti described. By way of example, a charge T1 of this alloy is given in Table 1. Furthermore, in Table 1, the charge T2 is given after DE 2936312 with 1% Si, 1% Al and 0.17% Y has been melted. An oxidation test was carried out on these alloys at 900 ° C. in air, the test being interrupted every 96 hours and the mass change of the samples determined by the oxidation (net mass change). Figure 1 shows that T1 has a negative mass change from the beginning. Ie. Parts of the oxide that formed during the oxidation have flaked off the sample, so that the mass loss due to oxide spalling is greater than the mass increase due to oxidation. This is unfavorable since the protective layer formation at the chipped areas must always start again. The behavior of T1 is more favorable. There, the first 192 hours outweigh the mass increase by oxidation. Only then is the mass increase due to spalling greater than the mass increase due to oxidation, with the mass loss of T2 being significantly lower than that of T1. Ie. a nickel alloy with about 1% Si, about 1% Al and 0.17% Y behaves significantly cheaper than a nickel alloys with 1.6% Cr, 1.5% Mn and 0, 5% Si. The aim of the subject invention is to provide a nickel-based alloy, which leads to an increase in the life of components made therefrom, which by raising the spark erosion and corrosion resistance at the same time good formability and weldability (workability) can be brought.

Si

0,8 - 2,0 %

Al

0,001 bis 0,1 %

Fe

0,01 bis 0,2 %

C

0,001 - 0,10 %

N

0,0005 - 0,10 %

Mg

0,0001 - 0,08 %

O

0,0001 bis 0,010%

Mn

max 0,10 %

Cr

max. 0,10 %

Cu

max. 0,50 %

S

max. 0,008 %

wahlweise mit folgenden Elementen

Ca

0,0002 - 0,06 %

Y

0,03 - 0,20 %

Hf

0,03 - 0,25 %

Zr

0,03 - 0,15 %

Ce

0, 03 - 0,15 %

La

0,03 - 0,15 %

Ti

max. 0,15 %

Co

max. 0,50 %

W

max. 0,10 %

Mo

max. 0,10 %

V

max.0,10

P

max. 0,020 %

B

max. 0,005 %

Pb

max. 0,005 %

Zn

max. 0,005 %

Ni

Rest und den üblichen herstellungsbedingten Verunreinigungen.

The object of the subject invention is achieved by a nickel base alloy comprising (in mass%)

Si

0.8 - 2.0%

al

0.001 to 0.1%

Fe

0.01 to 0.2%

C

0.001 - 0.10%

N

0,0005 - 0,10%

mg

0.0001 - 0.08%

O

0.0001 to 0.010%

Mn

max 0.10%

Cr

Max. 0.10%

Cu

Max. 0.50%

S

Max. 0.008%

optionally with the following elements

Ca

0.0002 - 0.06%

Y

0.03 - 0.20%

Hf

0.03 - 0.25%

Zr

0.03 - 0.15%

Ce

0, 03 - 0.15%

La

0.03 - 0.15%

Ti

Max. 0.15%

Co

Max. 0.50%

W

Max. 0.10%

Not a word

Max. 0.10%

V

max.0,10

P

Max. 0.020%

B

Max. 0.005%

pb

Max. 0.005%

Zn

Max. 0.005%

Ni

Remainder and the usual production-related impurities.

Preferred embodiments of the subject invention are set forth in the dependent claims.

Surprisingly, it has been found that the addition of silicon is more favorable for spark erosion and corrosion resistance than the addition of aluminum.

• 0,8 bis 1,5 % oder
• 0,8 bis 1,2 %

The silicon content is between 0.8 and 2.0%, wherein preferably defined contents can be set within the spreading ranges:

• 0.8 to 1.5% or
• 0.8 to 1.2%

• 0,001 bis 0,05 %

This applies equally to the element aluminum, which is set at levels between 0.001 to 0.10%. Preferred contents can be given as follows:

• 0.001 to 0.05%

• 0,01 bis 0,10 % oder
• 0,01 bis 0,05 %

This also applies to the element iron, which is adjusted in contents between 0.01 to 0.20%. Preferred contents can be given as follows:

• 0.01 to 0.10% or
• 0.01 to 0.05%

• 0,001 bis 0,05 %

Carbon is similarly adjusted in the alloy at levels between 0.001-0.10%. Preferably, contents can be adjusted in the alloy as follows.

• 0.001 to 0.05%

• 0,001 bis 0,05 %

Similarly, nitrogen is set in the alloy at levels between 0.0005-0.10%. Preferably, levels can be adjusted in the alloy as follows:

• 0.001 to 0.05%

• 0,005 bis 0,08 %

Magnesium is set at levels of 0.0001 to 0.08%. It is preferably possible to adjust this element in the alloy as follows:

• 0.005 to 0.08%

The alloy may further include calcium at levels between 0.0002 and 0.06%.

• 0,0001 bis 0,008 %

The oxygen content is set in the alloy at a content of 0.0001 to 0.010%. Preferably, the following content of oxygen can be adjusted:

• 0.0001 to 0.008%

Mn

max. 0,10 %

Cr

max. 0,10 %.
wobei bevorzugt die folgenden Bereiche gegeben sind:
Mn > 0 bis max. 0,05 %
Cr > 0 bis max. 0,05 %.

The elements Mn and Cr can be given in the alloy as follows:

Mn

Max. 0.10%

Cr

Max. 0.10%.
preferably the following ranges are given:
Mn> 0 to max. 0.05%
Cr> 0 to max. 0.05%.

• 0,05 bis 0,15 %

Furthermore, it is favorable to add to the alloy yttrium with a content of 0.03% to 0.20%, a preferred range being:

• 0.05 to 0.15%

• 0,03 bis 0,15 %

Another possibility is to add to the alloy hafnium with a content of 0.03% to 0.25%, a preferred range being:

• 0.03 to 0.15%

Likewise, the alloy may be added zirconium at a content of 0.03 to 0.15.

The addition of cerium with a content of 0.03 to 0.15 is possible.

Furthermore, lanthanum may be added at a level of 0.03 to 0.15%.

The alloy can contain Ti up to max. 0.15% included.

The copper content is limited to max. 0.50% limited, preferably it is max. 0.20%

Co

max.0,50 %

W

max 0,10 %

Mo

max 0,10 %

Pb

max. 0,005 %

Zn

max. 0,005 %

Finally, impurities may still contain the elements cobalt, wolftram, molybdenum and lead in amounts as follows:

Co

max.0,50%

W

max 0.10%

Not a word

max 0.10%

pb

Max. 0.005%

Zn

Max. 0.005%

The nickel-based alloy according to the invention is preferably usable as a material for electrodes of ignition elements of internal combustion engines, in particular of spark plugs for gasoline engines.

Based on the following examples, the subject invention will be explained in more detail.

Examples:

Table 1 shows alloy compositions belonging to the prior art.

Table 2 shows examples of non-inventive nickel alloys with 1% aluminum and various oxygen-affinity elements: L1 contains 0.13% Y, L2 0.18% Hf, L3 0.12% Y and 0.20 Hf, L4 0 , 13% Zr, L5 0.043% Mg and L6 0.12% Sc. In addition, these batches contain different oxygen contents in the range of 0.001% to 0.004% and Si contents <0.01%.

Table 3 shows examples of nickel alloys according to the invention with about 1% silicon and different oxygen-affine elements: E1 and E2 each contain about 0.1% Y, E3, E4 and E5 each contain about 0.20% Hf, E6 and E7 each contain about 0.12% Y and 0.14 and 0.22 Hf respectively, E8 and E9 each contain about 0.10% Zr, E10 0.037% Mg, E11 contains 0.18% Hf and 0.055% Mg, E12 contains 0.1% Y and 0.065% Mg and E13 0.11% Y and 0.19% Hf and 0.059% Mg. In addition, these lots contain varying levels of oxygen in the range of 0.002% to 0.007% and Al -Contained between 0.003 and 0.035%.

On these alloys, as with the alloys in Table 1, an oxidation test was carried out at 900 ° C. in air, the test being interrupted every 24 hours and the mass change of the samples determined by the oxidation (net mass change m _N ). In these experiments, the samples were in ceramic crucibles, so that possibly chipped oxides were collected. By weighing the crucibles before the experiment (m _T ) and weighing crucibles with the collected flakes and the sample (m _G ) each at the experimental interruption, the amount of chipped oxides (m _A ) can be determined together with the net mass change $${\mathrm{m}}_{\mathrm{A}}={\mathrm{m}}_{\mathrm{G}}-{\mathrm{m}}_{\mathrm{T}}-{\mathrm{m}}_{\mathrm{N}}$$

It has been shown that all batches from Tables 2 and 3 show no flaking apart from the L6 batch (Figure 2). This is a significant improvement over the prior art batches from Table 1 and Figure 1. Figure 3 shows the net mass change for all batches from Tables 2 and 3, where for batch L6 the mass change by flakes was additionally entered.

Figure 3 shows that the 1% Al-containing alloys all have a greater mass increase by oxidation than the 1% Si-containing alloys from Table 3. Therefore, the aluminum content is inventively limited to max. 0.10% limited. Too low an Al content increases costs. The Al content is therefore greater than or equal to 0.001%.

As can be seen in Figure 3, the NiSi alloys with Mg (E10) show a particularly low mass increase, ie a particularly good one Oxidation resistance. Ie. Mg improves the oxidation resistance of the Si-containing melts. Furthermore, unlike the alloys in Figure 1, none of the Si-containing alloys in Figure 3 show flaking. This also means that Y, Hf and Zr, if added in sufficient amounts, also improve the oxidation resistance, albeit in part with a slightly higher oxidation rate compared to Mg. The Al-containing alloys also show Y, Hf and / or Zr additions to the Sc-containing alloy LB2174 no flaking, but only an increased oxidation rate compared to the Si-containing alloys.

• Es ist ein Mindestgehalt von 0,8 % Si notwendig, um die Oxidationsbeständigkeit und die steigernde Wirkung des Si zu erhalten. Bei größeren Si-Gehalten verschlechtert sich die Verarbeitbarkeit. Die Obergrenze wird deshalb auf 2,0 Gew.-% Si gelegt.

The claimed limits for the alloy can therefore be explained in detail as follows:

• A minimum content of 0.8% Si is necessary to obtain the oxidation resistance and the increasing effect of Si. At higher Si contents, the processability deteriorates. The upper limit is therefore set to 2.0 wt% Si.

Aluminum deteriorates the oxidation resistance when added in the range of 1%. Therefore the aluminum content is reduced to max. 0.10% limited. Too low an Al content increases costs. The Al content is therefore set equal to or greater than 0.001%.

Iron is limited to 0.20% because this element reduces the oxidation resistance. Too little Fe content increases the cost of producing the alloy. The Fe content is therefore greater than or equal to 0.01%.

The carbon content should be less than 0.10% to ensure processability. Too small C contents cause increased costs in the production of the alloy. The carbon content should therefore be greater than 0.001%.

Nitrogen is limited to 0.10% as this element reduces the oxidation resistance. Too small N contents cause increased costs in the production of the alloy. The nitrogen content should therefore be greater than 0.0005%.

As Figure 3 shows, the NiSi alloy with Mg (E10) has a particularly small increase in mass, i. a particularly good oxidation resistance, so that a Mg content is favorable. Even very low Mg contents improve the processing, by the setting of sulfur, whereby the occurrence of low-melting NiS eutectics is avoided. For Mg, therefore, a minimum content of 0.0001% is required. Excessively high levels can lead to intermetallic Ni-Mg phases, which significantly impair processability. The Mg content is therefore limited to 0.08%.

The oxygen content must be less than 0.010% to ensure the manufacturability of the alloy. Too small oxygen levels cause increased costs. The oxygen content should therefore be greater than 0.0001%.

Manganese is limited to 0.1% as this element reduces oxidation resistance.

Chromium is limited to 0.10% because this element, as the example of T1 in Figure 1 shows, is not beneficial.

Copper is limited to 0.50% because this element reduces oxidation resistance.

The levels of sulfur should be kept as low as possible, since this surfactant affects the oxidation resistance. It will therefore max. 0.008% S set.

Just as we Mg even very small Ca contents improve the processing, by the setting of sulfur, whereby the occurrence of low-melting NiS eutectic is avoided. For Ca, therefore, a minimum content of 0.0002% is required. If the contents are too high, intermetallic Ni-Ca phases can occur, which again significantly impair processability. The Ca content is therefore limited to 0.06%.

A minimum content of 0.03% Y is necessary to obtain the oxidation resistance enhancing effect of Y. The upper limit is set at 0.20% for cost reasons.

A minimum content of 0.03% Hf is required to obtain the oxidation resistance enhancing effect of Hf. The upper limit is set at 0.25% Hf for cost reasons.

A minimum content of 0.03% Zr is necessary to obtain the oxidation resistance enhancing effect of Zr. The upper limit is set at 0.15% Zr for cost reasons.

It is a minimum content of 0.03% Ce necessary to obtain the oxidation resistance increasing effect of Ce. The upper limit is set at 0.15% Ce for cost reasons.

It is a minimum content of 0.03% La necessary to obtain the oxidation resistance enhancing effect of La. The upper limit is set at 0.15% La for cost reasons

The alloy can contain up to 0.15% Ti without degrading its properties.

Cobalt is reduced to max. 0.50% because this element reduces the oxidation resistance.

Molybdenum is reduced to max. 0.10% limited because this element reduces the oxidation resistance. The same applies to tungsten and vanadium.

The content of phosphorus should be less than 0.020%, since this surfactant affects the oxidation resistance.

The content of boron should be kept as low as possible because this surfactant affects the oxidation resistance. It will therefore max. 0.005% B is set.

Pb is set to max. 0.005% limited because this element reduces the oxidation resistance. The same applies to Zn. Table 1: Composition of prior art alloys NiCr2MnSi - 2.4146 DE 2936312 charge T1 T2 element Ni rest rest Si 0.5 1.0 al - 1.0 Y - 0.17 Ti 12:01 - C 0,003 - Co 0.04 - Cu 0.01 0.01 Cr 1.6 0.01 Mn 1.5 0.02 Fe 0.08 0.13 material NiAlY NiAlHf NiAlYHf NiAlZr NiAlMg NiAlSc charge L1 L2 L3 L4 L5 L6 C 0,003 0,002 0,002 0,002 0,002 0,003 S <0.0006 <0.0005 0.0005 0.0005 0.0009 0.0005 N 0,002 0,002 <0.001 0,003 <0.001 <0.002 Cr 12:01 12:01 0.01 0.01 <00:01 0.01 Ni (remainder) 98.5 98.6 98.5 98.5 98.7 98.7 Mn <0.01 12:01 <0.01 <00:01 <0.01 <00:01 Si <0.01 <00:01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.02 Not a word <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 0.01 <0.01 <0.01 Ti <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 Nb <0.01 <00:01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 Cu <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 Fe 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.05 0.03 0.02 P 0,002 0,004 0,003 0,002 <0.002 <0.005 al 0.94 0.94 0.95 0.94 0.96 1.13 mg 0.0004 0.0007 0.0005 0.0004 0.043 0.0001 pb <0.001 0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 O 0.0030 0.0030 0.0020 0.0010 0.0040 0.0020 Ca 0.0002 0.0002 0.0020 0.0004 0, 0002 0.0003 C 0.0002 0.0002 0.0002 0.0004 0.0002 0.0003 V <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 W <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 Zr 0,004 0.016 0,012 0.13 0.009 <0.001 Co 0.01 12:01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 Y 0.13 <0.001 0.12 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 B 0.001 0.001 <0001 0.001 <0.001 0.001 Hf 0,002 0.18 0.20 0.001 0.001 <0.001 Ce <0.001 sc <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.12 material NiSiY NiSiY NiSiHf NiSiHf NiSiHf NiSiYHf NiSiYHf NiSiZr NiSiZr NiSiMg NiSiHfMg NiSiYMg NiSiYHfMg charge E1 E2 E3 E4 E5 E6 E7 E8 E9 E10 E11 E12 E13 C 0,004 0,002 0,006 0.0016 0,008 0,004 0,002 0,002 0.0015 0,003 0.005 0,002 0.0019 S 0.0011 0.0005 0.0008 <0.0005 <0.0005 0.0006 0.0006 0.0015 0.0005 0.0014 0.0024 0.0008 <0.0005 N 0.001 <0.002 <0.001 <0.002 0,002 0,002 0,002 0001 <0.002 0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 Cr <00:01 <0.01 <0.01 12:01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 12:01 <0.01 0.01 <0.01 Ni 98,76R 98,67R 98,85R 98,76R 98,75R 98,74R 98,67R 98,73R 98,61R 98,83R 98,70R 98,54R 98,55R Mn <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <00:01 0.01 <0.01 0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 0.01 <0.01 Si 0.98 1.08 1.07 1.09 1.00 0.98 1.1 1.02 1.11 1.00 0.98 1.04 1.03 Not a word <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 0.01 <0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 Ti <0.01 <0.01 0.01 <0.01 0.01 0.01 <0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 <0.01 <0.01 Nb <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 0.01 <0.01 <0.01 Cu <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 0.01 <0.01 0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 Fe 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.04 0.05 0.02 0.03 0.03 0.03 P <0.002 0,002 <0.002 <0.002 0,002 <0.002 0,002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 0,002 <0.002 <0.002 al 0,035 0,025 0,021 0,003 0.005 0.04 0.027 0.01 0.005 0.009 0,008 0,029 0.032 mg 0.0003 0.0015 0.0003 0.0003 0.0001 0.0005 0.0017 0.0002 0.0001 0.037 0,055 0,065 0.059 pb <0.0018 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.001 O 0.0070 0.0030 0.0060 0.0070 0.0020 0.0060 0.0020 0.0040 0.0060 0.0040 0.0020 0.0020 0.0020 Ca 0.0007 0.0003 0.0004 0.0003 0.0006 0.0005 0.0003 0.0008 0.0002 0.0004 0.0002 0.0007 0.0006 C 0.0007 0.0003 0.0004 0.0003 0.0002 0.0005 0.0003 0.0008 0.0002 0.0004 0.0002 0.0007 0.0006 V <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 W <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 Zr <0.001 0.001 0,004 0,003 0,004 0,003 0,004 0.10 0.11 0.001 0.005 0,002 0,004 Co 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 Y 0.11 0.092 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.12 0.12 <0.001 <0.01 <0.001 <0.001 0.10 0.11 B 0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.001 Hf <0.001 <0.001 0.19 0.19 0.20 0.14 0.22 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.18 0.19 Ce <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 sc <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001

Claims (15)

1. A nickel based alloy composed of (in % by mass)

   Si 0.8 - 2.0 %

   Al 0.001 to 0.1 %

   Fe 0.01 to 0.2 %

   C 0.001 - 0.10 %

   N 0.0005 - 0.10 %

   Mg 0.0001 - 0.08 %

   O 0.0001 to 0.010 %

   Mn max. 0.10 %

   Cr max. 0.10 %

   Cu max. 0.50 %

   S max. 0.008 %

   optionally comprising the following elements :

   Ca 0.0002 - 0.06 %

   Y 0.03 - 0.20 %

   Hf 0.03 - 0.25 %

   Zr 0.03 - 0.15 %

   Ce 0.03 - 0.15 %

   La 0.03 - 0.15 %

   Ti max. 0.15 %

   Co max. 0.50 %

   W max. 0.10 %

   Mo max. 0.10 %

   V max. 0.10 %

   P max. 0.020 %

   B max. 0.005 %

   Pb max. 0.005 %

   Zn max. 0.005 %

   Ni rest and the usual production-related impurities.
2. An alloy according to claim 1, comprising a Si content (in % by mass) of 0.8 to 1.5 %.
3. An alloy according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a Si content (in % by mass) of 0.8 to 1.2 %.
4. An alloy according to one or more of the claims 1 through 3, comprising an Al content (in % by mass) of 0.001 to 0.05 %.
5. An alloy according to one or more of the claims 1 through 4, comprising a Fe content (in % by mass) of 0.01 to 0.10 %.
6. An alloy according to one or more of the claims 1 through 5, comprising a Fe content (in % by mass) of 0.01 to 0.05 %.
7. An alloy according to one or more of the claims 1 through 6, comprising a C content (in % by mass) of 0.001 to 0.5 % and a N content (in % by mass) of 0.001 to 0.05 %.
8. An alloy according to one or more of the claims 1 through 7, comprising a Mg content (in % by mass) of 0.005 to 0.08 %.
9. An alloy according to one or more of the claims 1 through 8, comprising an O content (in % by mass) of 0.0001 to 0.008 %.
10. An alloy according to one or more of the claims 1 through 9, comprising a Mn content (in % by mass) of max. 0.05 % and a Cr content (in % by mass) of max. 0.05 %.
11. An alloy according to one or more of the claims 1 through 10, comprising a Y content (in % by mass) of 0.05 to 0.15 %.
12. An alloy according to one or more of the claims 1 through 11, comprising a Hf content (in % by mass) of 0.03 to 0.15 %.
13. An alloy according to one or more of the claims 1 through 12, comprising a Cu content (in % by mass) of max. 0.20 %.
14. A use of the nickel based alloy according to one or more of the claims 1 through 13 as electrode material for ignition elements of internal combustion engines.
15. A use according to claim 14 as electrode material for spark plugs of petrol motors.

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