Pure Copper: Definition, Applications, and Products

What is Pure Copper?

Pure copper is the general term for copper with a high purity level, typically 99.9% or higher. With such high purity, properties such as electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and ductility are almost maximized. This ensures high performance and durability for products, which is why pure copper is used in various industries today.

Some products that can be considered pure copper include copper cathodes, electrical wires, C1100 copper strips, and busbars.

Applications of Pure Copper

Depending on its shape and specifications, pure copper has a wide range of important applications.

From the electronics, electrical, automotive, medical, defense, and maritime industries to construction and refrigeration sectors, pure copper is used in almost every field. The specific use of copper may vary depending on the needs and requirements of each industry.

How to Identify Pure Copper

Color

As the name suggests, pure copper is red in color, which is the characteristic color of copper. However, when exposed to air, the shiny red surface of copper will gradually oxidize and turn from red to brown or even blue. This is a natural phenomenon of copper. Nevertheless, if stored properly, pure copper can maintain its bright color and shiny surface for a long period.

In addition, when combined with other metals such as zinc, nickel, etc., the color of the alloy between pure copper and these metals can change from red to yellow or even bright silver.

*Color of pure copper and other copper alloy*

Magnetism

Copper is non-magnetic and does not magnetize like iron, nickel, or cobalt. To identify copper, you can use a magnet as an easy way to distinguish it.

However, with this method, you can only determine whether the material is magnetic or not, and sometimes it may be confused with red brass, which is also non-magnetic and red in color.

Using Measuring Tools

To accurately identify pure copper, you can use several tools and methods to measure electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and analyze chemical composition. With the results obtained from these measurements, you can refer to the following table:

Measurement Method	Copper	Iron	Steel	Aluminum	Nickel
Electrical Conductivity	101% IACS	10% IACS	3 – 15% IACS	61% IACS	22% IACS
Thermal Conductivity	391 W/m·K (at 20°C)	80 W/m·K	50 W/m·K	235 W/m·K	90 W/m·K
Magnetic Properties	Non-magnetic	Magnetic	Magnetic	Non-magnetic	Magnetic
Chemical Composition	Cu: 99.96% – 99.99%	Fe ~ 98-99%, with impurities like C, Mn	Fe, C ~ 0.1% – 2%, Mn, Si, Cr…	Al ~ 99%, with impurities like Si, Fe	Ni ~ 99%
Tensile Strength	195 – 345 MPa	370 – 550 MPa	400 – 2000 MPa (depending on type of steel)	70 – 700 MPa (depending on alloy)	350 – 750 MPa
Elongation	35% – 15%	20% – 40%	15% – 30%	10% – 40%	35% – 50%
Hardness	60 – 100 HV	120 – 250 HV	160 – 600 HV (depending on type of steel)	30 – 120 HV	150 – 300 HV
Density	8.94 g/cm³	7.87 g/cm³	7.85 g/cm³	2.70 g/cm³	8.90 g/cm³

*Composition and Hardness Testing Machines at DULICO*

The Future of Pure Copper

Pure copper is particularly important in the development of advanced electrical and electronic systems, energy converters, and electronic components. As technology continues to evolve, the applications of copper will become more widespread.

Therefore, in the future, pure copper will maintain its important position and bring numerous applications to industries worldwide.

Dulico – Trusted Supplier of Copper Strip

In Vietnam, Dulico is proud to be a leading supplier of copper strip, using pure copper (cathode) as the raw material. We are committed to providing customers with high-quality copper coils at competitive prices.

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