The Basics of Nonferrous Metallurgy

Copper and Copper Alloys

Copper and its alloys represent one of the most versatile and widely used groups of commercial metals in modern industry. These materials are prized for their exceptional electrical and thermal conductivity, superior corrosion resistance, ease of fabrication, and excellent mechanical properties including strength and fatigue resistance. This article explores the fundamental properties of copper and its various alloy families, including electrical coppers, dilute copper alloys, brasses, bronzes, copper nickels, and nickel silvers.

Copper and Copper Alloys Casting Problems

Copper and its alloys present significant casting challenges, including surface cracking, porosity, and internal cavities. These issues can be mitigated by incorporating elements like beryllium, silicon, nickel, and others, which enhance the casting characteristics of copper. Copper alloys are widely utilized in industrial applications such as bearings, bushings, gears, and valve bodies.

Copper Beryllium Alloys

Copper Foil Manufacturing

Copper foil manufacturing has become increasingly vital in modern electronics and industrial applications. This article examines two primary manufacturing methods: electrodeposition and rolling processes. These techniques produce copper foils with specific characteristics suited for various applications, particularly in electronic devices and printed circuit boards (PCBs).

Copper Matrix Hardening by Alumina Particles

Copper Spinodal Alloys: Part One

Ternary copper-nickel-tin (CuNiSn) spinodal alloys have recently been developed to deliver larger sizes and engineered shapes with a combination of high strength, excellent tribological characteristics, and high corrosion resistance in seawater and acid environments.
A three-fold increase in the yield strength over the base metal results from spinodal decomposition in the copper-nickel-tin alloys.