Copper Alloys
Copper Alloys
Copper alloys are alloys composed of copper as the matrix, with one or more other elements (such as zinc, tin, nickel, aluminum, etc.) added. For example, brass is a copper-zinc alloy, bronze is mainly a copper-tin alloy (nowadays, copper alloys other than brass and cupronickel are also called bronze), and cupronickel is a copper-nickel alloy.
Performance Characteristics
Mechanical Properties:
Different copper alloys have different mechanical properties. Brass has relatively high strength and good wear resistance; bronze has excellent wear resistance and corrosion resistance; cupronickel has good corrosion resistance, especially against seawater corrosion. For instance, tin bronze has higher strength and hardness than pure copper, as well as higher elastic limit and fatigue strength, making it suitable for manufacturing elastic components like springs.
Physical Properties:
Copper alloys generally have good thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity. However, compared with pure copper, their electrical conductivity will decrease due to the addition of alloying elements. For example, brass has good thermal conductivity and is used in heat exchangers. They also have an attractive color and can be used for decorative purposes.
Processing Properties:
Most copper alloys have good processing properties and are easy to cast, forge, cut, and weld. For example, brass has good fluidity during casting and can be used to make complex castings. Its forging performance is also good, and forging can improve its mechanical properties.
Application Fields
In the construction field, they are used to make water pipes and decorative parts; in the electronics field, they are used to produce wires and connectors; in the mechanical field, they are used to manufacture various wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant parts, such as bronze bearings; in the art field, they are used to create sculptures and other handicrafts.
Copper-containing Alloy Steels
Definition and Composition
Copper-containing alloy steels are a type of alloy steel. A certain amount of copper element (usually with a copper content of about 0.2% – 0.5%) is added to the steel, and it may also contain other alloying elements such as chromium, nickel, molybdenum, etc.
Performance Characteristics
– Enhanced Corrosion Resistance: The addition of copper can improve the corrosion resistance of steel, especially in atmospheric and marine environments. It can form a protective film on the surface of the steel to prevent the erosion of oxygen and water.
– Improved Mechanical Properties: An appropriate amount of copper can refine the steel grains, increasing the strength and toughness of the steel. Compared with similar alloy steels without copper, copper-containing alloy steels may have better toughness at the same strength level.
– Antibacterial Properties: Copper-containing alloy steels have certain antibacterial properties and can inhibit the growth and reproduction of bacteria, which has potential advantages in some applications with high hygiene requirements, such as medical devices and food processing equipment.
Application Fields
Copper-containing alloy steels can be used to manufacture weather-resistant steels for outdoor building structures, bridges, etc., which can withstand long-term atmospheric erosion without rusting easily. In the marine engineering field, they are used to manufacture ship parts and offshore platform structures to resist seawater corrosion. In medical devices and food processing equipment, their antibacterial and corrosion-resistant properties are utilized to make some contact surface components.
