There are tons of information about copper on the Internet, and it’s not difficult to understand why. Although not as valuable as gold and silver, copper is one of the most widely used metals in the world. It has been utilized for over 10,000 years and so far produced hundreds of alloys, each of which benefits at least a couple of industries. The most popular alloys of copper are bronze and brass, but even as a pure element, it is still prized for its many useful properties.
High Electrical Conductivity
If you peel off one of the electrical wires stretching across the wall, you’ll see a core made of copper. You may wonder why it isn’t made of any other metal. That’s because copper exhibits the highest electrical conductivity. Well, not exactly the highest because silver still conducts electricity the best, but copper doesn’t heat up easily when subjected to high voltage.
Electrical wires are not the only materials that copper can be made into due to its high electrical conductivity. The metal can also be made into electromagnets for locks, scrapyard cranes, and electric bells. Even modern electric motors found in vehicles, computers, and entertainment systems are also made of copper. If you go outside and look at the electrical posts along the sidewalk, you’ll see large capsule-like objects hanging near their top. Those are transformers, and they are made of copper, too.
High Heat Conductivity
Apart from its high electrical conductivity, copper is also an excellent conductor of heat. This property is particularly critical for applications that involve exposure to high temperatures. Although most metals conduct heat, copper exhibits superiority in this aspect, making it the most ideal material for heat exchangers in hot water tanks, under floor heating systems, all weather football pitches, and car radiators. You’ll also find a lot of saucepan bottoms made of copper plate.
Corrosion Resistance
Most metals, particularly the ferrous ones, are susceptible to oxidation. They form rust on their surface as soon as their iron content combines with oxygen from the air or moisture. Copper, being a non-ferrous metal, reacts differently when exposed to oxygen. Instead of degenerating, it forms a layer of material on its surface, called patina, which serves as a shield against further oxidation. This amazing quality makes copper the ideal material for jewelry, statues, parts of buildings, and other applications that require extreme durability.
Alloying Potential
Copper is not just a widely used metal, but widely alloyed as well. For millennia, man has experimented on copper, producing a vast array of alloys by combining it with other elements. Not very many metals are easily combined with other elements. Copper is among the easiest to work. Its most popular alloys, bronze and brass, even became the baseline for the production of hundreds of other copper alloys. It’s no wonder copper can be found almost everywhere, from the table you are eating on to the engine of your vehicle.
Antimicrobial Property
Some metals have the ability to exert a lethal effect on bacterial cells. This phenomenon called oligodynamic effect has been fascinating scientists for decades, and it is an extremely useful characteristic, too. Imagine the utensils and cookware you’re using at home or even the surface of your countertop being capable of killing harmful germs. You will surely feel safer every time you use your kitchen or dining room.
There are countless objects around you that are either purely or partly made of copper. If you need copper supplies for your own projects, you can easily find a copper sheet supplier near you because most metal suppliers have them in their arsenal. However, to ensure that the copper supplies you will purchase are of superior quality, turn to a trusted supplier like Rotax Metals. They’ve been providing high-quality copper & brass sales for over 60 years.
