The resistance of 600 to strong oxidising solutions such as concentrated hot nitric acid is low. Alloy 600 is resistant to attack by the majority of neutral and alkaline salt solutions, making it suitable for use in some caustic environments. Steam and steam-air-carbon dioxide mixtures are resistant to the alloy.
Alloy 600 is nonmagnetic, exhibits superior mechanical properties, has a high strength-to-workability ratio, and welds readily. Inconel 600 exhibits the typical cold forming characteristics of stainless steels containing chromium and nickel.
Corrosion applications include the production of titanium dioxide (via the chloride route), perchloroethylene synthesis, vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), and magnesium chloride. Alloy 600 is used in a wide variety of applications, including chemical and food processing, heat treatment, phenol condensers, soap manufacturing, and vessels for vegetable and fatty acid acids.