In ferrous and nonferrous metals selection, there are several natural metal and applicable environment combinations. These combination usually represent the maximum corrosion resistance at the lowest cost and should always be considered. The favored material / application combinations are listed below:

• Carbon steel / concentrated sulfuric acid.
• Stainless steel / nitric acid.
• Aluminum / nonstaining atmospheric exposure.
• Copper-nickel alloys /sea and brackish water.
• Nickel and nickel alloys / caustic soda.
• Monel 400 / hydrofluoric acid.
• Hastelloy C-276 / hot hydrochloric acid
• Titanium / hot strong oxidizing solutions
• Tantalum / most chemicals.