Copper Powder

Copper is a reddish metal that is a malleable and ductile with a bright metallic luster. Copper is a good conductor of heat and electricity. Because of its malleability, Copper can be shaped into sheets, wire and tubing. Variations in the shape of Copper particles, density and the surface condition of particles greatly affect the usability of Copper Powder for certain applications.

Granular Copper Powder can be produced by a number of methods, the most important being atomization, electrolysis, hydrometallurgy and solid-state reduction. Each method yields a powder having certain inherent characteristics.

Spherical fine Copper Powder (micro spherical Copper Powder) is among the main ingredients of self-lubricating sliding bearings. Copper Powders enhance the working characteristic of bearings while reducing the coefficient of friction.

Pure Copper Powder is used in the electrical and the electronics industries because of its excellent electrical and thermal conductivities. Alloyed with Tin, Zinc, Nickel and other elements, Copper in powder form is used in structural parts and friction materials.

Copper is used also as an alloying element in Iron Powder components to enhance the mechanical properties and control dimensional changes during sintering, the addition being made either by mixing or by infiltration.

In addition to the above applications of granular Copper Powder, a large quantity of Copper and Copper alloy powder is used in flake form, i.e., as a powder whose thickness is small in relation to its other dimensions. Such powders are used, for example, in antifouling paints, acrylic or oil paint, metal coatings, decorative and protective coatings and printing inks.

Depending on the purpose of surface coating different methods may be used to apply Copper Powder. Copper Powder gives non-metal objects the appearance of a metallic surface. Copper Powder may be used on wood, ceramic, clay, unglazed tile, plastic, fiberglass, concrete and others. Copper Powder may also be used on metals if the surface is properly prepared.

Copper and Copper alloy powders are also used in such nonstructural applications as brazing, cold soldering, and mechanical plating, as well as for medals and medallions, metal-plastic decorative products and a variety of chemical and medical purposes. Copper Powders may be used in many different chemical applications such as the production of Copper salts (Nitrate, Sulfate, etc.) and production of diphenyl.

Safety and Storage:

Copper Powder is flammable and irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin. Irritation to the eyes will cause watering and redness. Reddening, scaling, and itching are characteristics of skin inflammation. Inhalation of Copper Powder will cause irritation to the lungs and mucus membrane.

Store Copper Powder in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, away from incompatible materials.