A large number of commercial nickel-based alloys are likely to undergo an ordering transformation based on an Ni2Cr ordered phase formation at temperatures below 550° C. A shortrange ordered structure develops in the matrix phase at an early stage of ageing. This can transform to long-range ordering depending upon the composition, after prolonged exposure. The Ni/Cr ratio in the majority of these materials is considerably different from the stoichiometric composition of Ni2Cr and hence they may not form the long-range ordered phase. Ordering, both short and long-range, is known to have the following consequences: (i) dimensional instability due to lattice parameter contraction; (ii) electrical and thermal characteristics variations; (iii) changes in mechanical properties due to pile ups of dislocation dipoles; (iv) the phenomenon of “negative creep” or material contraction under load.