Corrosion Resistance of Copper and Copper Alloys

Copper and its alloys have been utilized for more than 10,000 years. Today, copper is one of the most commonly used metals in the world; 24 million tons are consumed worldwide. A wide variety of copper alloys are used in a range of applications. As well as good mechanical properties, the excellent electrical conductivity and thermal conduction are reasons copper alloys are deployed in many industrial fields. Copper plays a role in electronic and electrical applications and all forms of heat transfer. In automobiles as well as in houses copper could not be replaced. In the sanitary industry copper and brass are well established, for example, drinking water pipes have been used for decades without problems. While the corrosion resistance of copper and its alloys is excellent in unpolluted air and drinking water, corrosion rates in impure environments can be much higher and lead to severe material damage. Corrosion is a system property, so it is important to find the right copper material with regard to the environmental conditions it will be exposed to. This handbook highlights the limitations of the use of copper and its alloys in various corrosive solutions and provides vital information on corrosion protection measures.