I deal with different coppers most of the time as the boss of a scrap copper recycling company. So, are you aware of the distinctions among different coppers? How do we classify them?
China now classifies copper and copper alloys into four major categories: red copper, brass, bronze, and white copper. This categorization is mostly based on color and shine.
1. Red copper is the term for pure copper, which has a melting point of 1083°C and a density of 8.96. Its remarkable flexibility is complemented by its strong thermal and electrical conductivity. It is widely utilized in conductive devices that need high conductivity, like wires, cables, and brushes. It can also be categorized as a copper alloy since additional elements, such as deoxidizing elements, are added in trace amounts to enhance the material's performance. In addition to being utilized extensively in the chemical sector, red copper is also employed in equipment for electrical and thermal conductivity and can be turned into a wide range of semi-finished and finished goods. comprise red copper, silver copper, phosphorus-deoxidized copper, and oxygen-free copper in that order.
2. Brass: the term for the zinc and copper alloy, which is further classified as regular and special brass. 39% zinc content is used as the separating line for regular brass. It has strong flexibility and is often appropriate for both hot and cold pressure processing when it is less than 39%. More than 39%, appropriate for processing via hot pressing. A multi-component alloy called "special brass" is created by adding alloys such as manganese, iron, zinc, and other elements to regular brass. The tensile strength can be increased by adding alloy components. The third element in complicated brass is called silicon brass or nickel brass; as the zinc level rises to light yellow, the color shifts from yellow to red.
3. Bronze: this category includes alloys based on copper, mostly tin, aluminum, and special bronze, but also includes copper-nickel and zinc-copper alloys. High copper is another name for special bronze. Tin bronze can be used to make gears and bearings. Modern engines and grinder bearings can be made with lead bronze. Marine propellers and other high-load gears can be made with aluminum bronze.
4. White copper: an alloy of copper and nickel. Cupronickel has a 25% nickel content. Shiny and silvery white in color. Whiteness and nickel concentration have a favorable correlation. Compared to other copper alloys, cupronickel has superior mechanical and physical qualities. In addition, cupronickel has exceptional ductility and toughness, making it a popular material for usage in a variety of devices, including medical equipment and appliances. Moreover, there are drawbacks to cupronickel, including its relatively high cost and rare nickel component.
In addition, it can be categorized into three groups based on its form: oxide copper ore, copper sulfide ore, and natural copper.
1. Natural copper: There are extremely few deposits, but the steel content is around 99%. The hue is copper red throughout, and it has strong ductility and a high density. Simultaneously, natural copper is utilized in traditional Chinese medicine to alleviate blood stasis, increase blood circulation, and reduce pain.
2. Quantity of copper oxide ore is limited. The most popular ones are azurite and malachite, with chrysocolla and cuprite following.
3. Copper sulfide ore: It has a copper concentration of 2%–3% and produces more than 80% of the refined copper used worldwide. It is quite hard to dissolve and has a brown tint.
Additionally, it can be categorized into three groups based on the method of production: pure copper, blister copper, and copper concentrate.
1. Copper concentrate: prior to smelting, ore with a greater copper concentration is chosen.
2. Blister copper: Blister copper has a 95%–98% copper concentration and is produced by smelting copper concentrate.
