Ni
Nickel
Z = 28 · Transition Metal · 58.7 u
Nuclear Engineering Significance
Major component of nickel-based superalloys (Inconel, Hastelloy) used in steam generators, heat exchangers, and molten salt reactor vessels. Thermal absorption (σ_a = 4.5 b) is moderate. Ni-58 produces Co-58 by (n,p) reaction, contributing to activation dose.
Basic properties
- Atomic number (Z)
- 28
- Standard atomic mass
- 58.7 u
- Category
- Transition Metal
Isotopes & cross-section data
| Isotope | Mass (A) | Half-life | ZAID | Libraries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ni-58 | 58 | Stable | .80c.71c.70c | |
| Ni-60 | 60 | Stable | .80c.71c.70c | |
| Ni-61 | 61 | Stable | .80c.71c.70c | |
| Ni-62 | 62 | Stable | .80c.71c.70c | |
| Ni-64 | 64 | Stable | .80c.71c.70c |