Kanthal (alloy)

Kanthal®, is an alloy of mainly iron and chromium (20–30 %), aluminium (4–7,5 %), trace amounts of cobalt. Kanthal was developed by Hans von Kantzow in Hallstahammar. In 1931 the company Kanthal AB was started. The name "Kanthal" is composed of Kantzow and Hallstahammar. The alloy is known for its ability to withstand high temperatures and having great electric resistance. As such, it is frequently used in heating elements, especially where the application demands temperatures above the melting point of Nichrome (1400 °C).

They sell the so-called "Kanthal Super" U-shaped molybdenum disilicide MoSi₂ elements as well for very high temperatures up to 1850 °C.

Ordinary Kanthal has a melting point of 1200 °C.

Kanthal AB is now part of the Sandvik AB company.

Here is some experimental data (un-verified, but relatively, not exactly accurate:

Temperature Resistance A/l Resistivity Conductivity Kanthal Alloy (C) (Ohm) (m) (Ohm m) (Ohm m)-1 ln (s) T (K) 1/ T (K-1) T1= 0 C 4 87.00 1.27E-08 1.10E-06 905059.28 13.72 277 3.61E-03 T2 = 25 C 35 86.90 1.27E-08 1.10E-06 906100.78 13.72 308 3.25E-03 T3 = 50 C 56 87.00 1.27E-08 1.10E-06 905059.28 13.72 329 3.04E-03 T4 = 75 C 80 85.90 1.27E-08 1.09E-06 916649.10 13.73 353 2.83E-03 T5 = 100 C 98 85.20 1.27E-08 1.08E-06 924180.25 13.74 371 2.70E-03 T6 = 125 C 110 86.50 1.27E-08 1.10E-06 910290.84 13.72 383 2.61E-03

See also

• Nichrome

External links

• Company's website