How does nickel foam perform at high temperatures?

Nickel foamexhibits excellent high-temperature resistance. In air, it remains stable at temperatures below 300°C without significant oxidation or structural changes. When temperatures rise to 400–600°C, an oxide layer gradually forms on the surface, but the internal structure remains intact. At temperatures exceeding 600°C, oxidation accelerates, and the Nickel layer may become brittle due to oxidation, affecting mechanical properties. Under inert gas protection, its high-temperature resistance is further enhanced, enabling it to withstand temperatures above 800°C without significant degradation. This high-temperature resistance makes it suitable for applications such as high-temperature filtration and catalyst carriers that require operation in high-temperature environments; however, the long-term operating temperature should not exceed its oxidation critical temperature.
The temperature resistance of Foam nickel varies depending on the specific application scenario:
Conventional temperature resistance range
In most cases, nickel foam can withstand temperatures below 500°C. For example, some products are labeled as having a temperature resistance of up to 500°C, but it should be noted that the porosity may decrease to 60%-98% at this temperature. ‌
Special application scenarios
In the fuel cell field (such as molten carbonate fuel cells), the operating temperature is typically 550-700°C, at which point specially treated high-temperature-resistant nickel foam must be used. Some manufacturers claim their products can withstand temperatures up to 900°C, but this should be evaluated in conjunction with specific process conditions. ‌
Oxidation and Strength Changes
When temperatures exceed 600°C, nickel foam is prone to oxidation and experiences a significant decrease in mechanical strength, potentially leading to brittleness and increased magnetic properties. ‌

It is recommended to select nickel foam specifications based on actual application requirements and refer to the manufacturer's technical specifications.