Copper‑Nickel Alloys: Key Properties and Practical Applications

Located side by side on the periodic table, nickel, and copper complement each other well. Possessing similar properties, these elements are often melded as an alloy. Available in various forms, including QQ N 281, these types of alloys are highly durable and suitable for a wide spectrum of industries. Use this guide to understand some of the basic properties and applications of copper-nickel alloys.

 

Properties

• Antimicrobial: When these alloys are properly maintained, they will naturally kill bacteria. In fact, there are 400 copper alloys listed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as able to kill six forms of bacteria.
• Corrosion Resistant: As these alloys do not easily rust, they are widely used in naval and marine applications. Copper-nickel metals are not easily affected by seawater, so they are able to last in salient environments for many years.
• Macro-Fouling Resistant: Much like its ability to exist in seawater without corroding, copper-nickel alloys are also resistant to the growth of algae, sea moss, anemones, and mollusks. Without this property, marine metals are easily overgrown by ocean life.

Applications

• Energy: Copper-nickel alloys are often used for offshore oil and gas drilling, due to their durability and resistance to corrosion. They are also used in the actual refining process in machines such as oil coolers. Nickel 405, for example, is 63% nickel allowed with copper, iron, and other elements. This material is used for oil piping, sulfuric acid plants, and nuclear vessels.
• Ships and Piping: Due to its impressive corrosion resistance, nickel-copper alloys are most often used for marine applications. This includes boat hulls, ship exchanger tubes, and pumps. They are also used to create underwater piping for oil and water.
• Coins: These alloys also have some non-marine applications, including the minting of coins. The one and two Euro, as well as the five-cent U.S. nickel, are both made of copper-nickel alloys. Since these currencies are made of this alloy, they also have antimicrobial properties. This reduces the spread of disease through change.

From QQ N 281 to Nickel 405, copper-nickel alloys are seen in multiple aspects of everyday life. If you are a manufacturer looking to implement these metals into your process, be sure to research which metals will be appropriate for your specific project. Available in hundreds of combinations, there is an alloy to make your product as strong as possible.