What is Copper: Properties, Types & Applications

Copper serves many applications in industries, and due to its versatility, there are a lot of components made of copper. Copper has various grades and types and consists of a detailed manufacturing process.

If you want to learn everything about what is copper, what the different grades are, and what their applications are, read the guide below.

O que é o cobre?

Copper is an element that has the number 29 on the periodic table and the symbol Cu. It is a metal with a reddish-brown color and high ductility. The actual color of copper from oxidation is pink, and copper oxide is formed due to the oxidation process.

However, the copper may also develop a greenish-blue color over time and turn into copper carbonate. Copper is a metal that shines and is used in many applications like electronics and plumbing.

A Brief History of Copper

Copper is a very crucial metal and was widely used in ancient civilizations, it was discovered by Mesopotamians. In northern Iraq, the first copper pendant was discovered, dating back to 8700 BC. The copper age prevailed between 5500 BC and 4000 BC, and it was called the chalcolithic age, derived from Greek words.

Cobre is a metal that naturally occurs in a native metallic form. However, it needs to be extracted using metallurgy from ore. In historical times, when native copper occurred, metallurgy was not required; hence, those civilizations formed ornaments and weapons.

What is Copper Made of?

Pure copper is not an alloy but a chemical element that is made of one type of atom. It cannot be converted into simpler substances. The copper atom has an atomic number of 29 and has 29 protons in its atomic nucleus.

Copper extraction is done from natural ores; the extracted copper is then mined, crushed, and pressed. The copper ores are extracted from South America or North America and even from Russia and Africa.

Copper Making Processes

The process of copper-making has the following steps.

Exploração mineira

The mining of copper ore is first conducted in the large open pit mines, which are dug deeper, and the explosives blast the rock. These explosives convert the boulders into small sized pieces for the purpose of processing.

Extraction

The process of extraction involves the purification of copper. These processes use oxide ores, crush them and apply an acid leaching solution. The other process is called the pyrometallurgical process. It uses sulfide ores, and the extraction is done through froth flotation and thickening based on the particle density.

Purification

The oxide ores are put into a solution for the purpose of extraction, and copper is kept in a solution; such a process is called hydrometallurgy. The solution is then subjected to electricity, which deposits the solid copper.

In the case of sulfide ores, pyrometallurgy is opted for, and a smelter creates copper in raw form. It is then purified through the electrorefining process.

Liga

Copper alloys are generated by melting the alloying material and then copper is melting to combine them. The molten mixture is then subjected to casting, and then it cools down and slides.

Electrorefining

Electrorefining copper consists of dissolving impure copper material electronically. The pure copper is deposited on an electrode, and an electric current is applied, which removes impurities from the metal.

Properties and Features of Copper

Copper is known for its unique properties and features, and some of these properties are discussed below:

• The electrical conductivity of copper makes it suitable for many electronic applications. It offers high electrical conductivity and is opted for making wires and other electronic devices.
• Copper even has a high heat conductivity, and hence it is chosen for making heat sinks so that it can help with heat dissipation in different appliances.
• Copper is highly malleable and can be used to make cables and wires.
• It is corrosion resistant, and due to its anti-corrosive nature, it's used in marine applications and is very comfortable followed by pumping products.

Prós e contras do cobre

Copper offers various pros and cons, which help determine whether to use it in different applications or not.

Prós

• Copper has a high electrical connectivity and, therefore, is used in many electronic components.
• It is a suitable choice for heat exchangers due to its high heat conductivity.
• It is ductile and can be bent easily, which makes it suitable for plumbing and cabling.
• The antimicrobial properties are very much suitable for medical applications and various tools and devices in medicine are made using copper.

Cons

• Copper is an expensive material.
• It is heavy compared to other materials and cannot be suitable for weight-sensitive applications.
• When subjected to high temperatures, it may oxidize.
• Copper is a toxic material and, hence, cannot be used for regular ingestion.

Different Types of Copper

There are different types of copper, and these types are discussed below.

Pure Coppers

Pure copper is prepared to ensure that it has a minimum amount of impurities and maximizes copper's electrical and thermal properties. Pure copper is soft and has less toughness; it is used in electrical components.

Ligas de cobre

Copper alloys consist of brass and bronze. Brass is very popularly used in plumbing and musical instruments. It has zinc, which gives the alloy a high ductility and strength. Bronze, on the other hand, is similar to copper and offers high ductility, thermal conductivity, and resistance against saltwater. Bronze is used in bushings and bearings.

Copper Sheets and Plates

Copper sheets are thin sheets, whereas the plates are thick. They are present in different grades of copper and the copper sheets offer high malleability and can be formed in other components.

Free-Machining Coppers

Free machining coppers have minor amounts of other alloying elements, which help to improve their machinability. Free machining copper is very easy to machine and manufacture items like soldering iron tips and welding nozzles.

Copper Wire

Copper wire offers excellent electrical conductivity and is used in many electrical applications. It is used in applications that require large currents.

Copper Tubing

Copper tubing is used in domestic drinking water systems as it has durability and corrosion resistance. It has been used in household plumbing for tubing purposes for many years.

Copper Nanoparticles

Copper nanoparticles have a different behavior compared to large sized particles of copper and offer excellent antimicrobial properties.

Oxygen-Free Coppers

Oxygen-free copper is the purest form of copper, and it has very few impurities because of its non-oxidizing nature. They are melted using a granulated graphite bath, which helps in getting rid of oxygen. It is highly electrical conductivity and is used in high-vacuum electronics.

Electrolytic Coppers

Electrolytic coppers are subjected to solutions to remove impurities. They are refined through this process and it is used in windings and bus bars.

Common Copper Materials

The common grades of copper used in different applications are as follows:

Copper 101 (pure copper)

Copper 101 has 99.99% copper and has high electrical and thermal conductivity, high resistance against corrosion, and is ductile and soft. It is used in wirings, busbars, heat exchangers, and connectors.

Copper 110

Copper 110 has more than 99.9% copper; it is suitable for electrical applications, offering high electrical and thermal conductivity. It is used in power transmission lines, and switchgear, as well as in plumbing applications.

Copper 260 (brass)

Copper 260 has 30% zinc and 70% copper, and it offers easy machinability, ductility, and resistance against corrosion. It is used in automobile and plumbing components, followed by jewelry and hardware.

Copper 932 (bronze)

Copper 932 has 80% copper, 10% tin, 5% zinco and 5% lead. It has excellent wear resistance, and due to the presence of lead, it offers self-lubrication. It is used in marine applications.

Copper 360 (brass)

Copper 360 offers a composition of 62% copper, 36% zinc, and 2% lead. It has excellent machinability and offers moderate corrosion resistance and strength. It is used in watch parts, plumbing valves, and fittings.

Aplicações do cobre

There are many applications of copper in different fields, and some of these applications are as follows:

Eletrónica: Copper is used in electronic applications due to its electrical conductivity.

Architecture: Copper looks appealing and can be used in wall cladding and roofing.

Plumbing: Copper tubes are used in water pipes for domestic applications as they offer high corrosion resistance.

Transporte: Copper is used in vehicles as it helps with the electrical cabling of the cars.

Conclusão

Copper is one of the most versatile metals, and various components are manufactured using it.

If you are looking forward to having copper components manufacturers you can get in touch with us at DEK. We offer a wide range of highly precise copper components that are durable and high-performing.

FAQs

Does copper rust easily?

Generally, copper doesn't rust, but in certain cases, some parts of it may corrode a bit.

What type of metal is copper?

Copper has a high density, which makes it a heavy metal.

What is the difference between copper and brass?

Brass is an alloy of copper, whereas copper is pure copper metal.

Why is copper so special?

Copper is special because it offers excellent properties and is, hence, one of the most commonly used materials in industries. It offers ductility, malleability, and high thermal and electrical properties.