Copper and nickel are closely related (atomic numbers 29 and 28) that are completely miscible in the solid state, as well as in the liquid state. Cu-Ni alloys are primarily copper-nickel (less than 1 per cent zinc) and are crystallized in a face centred cubic (FCC) structure.The atomic concentration between copper and nickel is in linear relationship with the lattice spacing.
And now we should get to learn more about copper nickel alloy material as we shall see in this article.
What Is a Copper Nickel Alloy (CuNi)?
Alloys predominantly made of copper and nickel, which are also referred to as cupronickel or copper-nickel (Cu-Ni) alloys, are usually composed of 2%30% nickel. These alloys are characterized by a high oxidation resistance and stress-corrosion cracking resistance. Their corrosion resistance and strength are further increased by the inclusion of such elements as manganese, iron, niobium or chromium. Due to the complete solubility of nickel in copper, the Cu-Ni alloys are a single phase, α-structure, which has high thermal stability.
The most common commercial alloy of Cu-Ni is 90/10 (approximately 90 percent copper, 10 percent nickel) and 70/30 (approximately 70 percent copper, 30 percent nickel). These alloys consist of a mixture of copper conductivity, nickel strength and corrosion resistance.Moreover, certain performance improvements may be introduced with the help of such elements as chromium and aluminum. There are two main ways through which Cu-Ni alloys are produced:
- Wrought Cu-Ni Alloys: These are worked to semi finished products including plates, sheets, rods and pipes.
- Cast Cu-Ni Alloys: Are applied to larger and more complicated shapes, especially in the heavy industrial sector.
Why are Copper-Nickel Alloys Important?
A unique combination of copper-nickel alloys provides a range of properties that few metals can replicate. Cu Ni alloys have great resistance to corrosion, good thermal stability, and good mechanical strength with moderate electrical conductivity and good antibacterial properties. The benefits of these characteristics mean that Cu Ni alloys will keep their mechanical behaviour as the temperature rises, which is the reason for their usage esp in heat exchangers, condenser tubing, and other high temperature applications. Durability, recyclability, and the high-rate of used/reused materials contribute to favour Cu Ni alloys for industrial uses, especially those where longevity and sustainability are beneficial.
Copper-Nickel Properties (Cupro Nickel Properties)
Copper-nickel alloys are very resistant to corrosion, strong and have good thermal properties. The following are the main copper nickel alloy properties:
1. Corrosion Resistance: Copper-nickel alloys are also considered to have an excellent corrosion resistance especially in extreme conditions such as seawater and chemical operations. Marine engineering and desalination plants are done using stress-corrosion cracking because of their resistance to pitting. The alloys establish a stable protective oxide coating when in contact with seawater that prevents further corrosion.
2. Mechanical Strength: Cupronickel alloys are strong and durable even when working in harsh conditions. The tensile strength and elongation of copper nickel alloys is high and there is an improvement in mechanical strength with increase in nickel content at room temperature. These alloys retain their strength when subjected to continuous loading and they can withstand the high temperature. When such elements as iron and manganese are introduced, the strength and the general performance are increased.
3. Thermal and Electrical Conductivity: The thermal conductivity of copper nickel alloy decreases with the increase in nickel content. Also, Cupronickel alloys have a high resistance to electricity as their electrical resistivity increases with the amount of nickel and are hence applicable in electrical resistance applications. These alloys are also thermoelectrically powerful and are therefore suitable in thermocouples employed in measurement of temperature.
4. Magnetic Properties: The cupronickel alloys are non-magnetic, which can be modified with ferromagnetic properties when iron or cobalt is added. Nickel alloys of approximately 20% and other alloys containing iron or cobalt may be made magnetic.
5. Physical Properties
Density: Density of copper nickel alloys does not vary significantly, at 8.9 kg/dm 3 with or without nickel.
Color and Appearance: With an increase in nickel content, the alloy turns to a silvery-white look, replacing the reddish-brown color of copper, and is more lustrous with an increase in nickel content. The alloy is very similar to silver at approximately 40% nickel.
Thermal Expansion: Cupronickel alloys have a low coefficient of thermal expansion and are therefore best suited in temperature sensitive applications.
6. Workability: Cupronickel alloys are simple to operate because of their high machinability. These alloys can be readily worked into bars, sheets, and wires and they do not lose their mechanical properties during cold-working or other fabrication processes.
7. Fatigue and Creep Resistance: Cupronickel alloys are of good fatigue strength and can support oscillating loads at long term without failure. In addition, such alloys have high creep resistance at high temperatures and under continuous stress, which is why they can be used in heat exchangers and boilers among others.
How to Manufacture Copper-Nickel (Cu-Ni) Alloys?
There are a number of important processes in the manufacturing of Copper-Nickel (Cu-Ni) alloys. The initial process is melting in which copper and nickel are melted, with any other element such as manganese or iron, through electric arc melting, induction melting, or blow torch melting. The melting temperature of cupronickel is normally between 1,100 o C to 1,200 o C and the higher the percentage of nickel the higher the melting point. Once the alloy melts it is alloyed to incorporate certain elements and get the required properties. The casting process is then done by pouring the molten alloy into molds that may use centrifugal, sand or die-casting techniques.
The alloy is then cast and then worked (hot worked, i.e. rolled or forged) and cold worked (i.e. extruded) to increase its strength and workability. Heat treatment is then performed, including annealing and sometimes age-hardening to eliminate stress and enhance ductility. The material is formed with hard tools and sulfur free oils, and components are joined together with such methods as welding, soldering and brazing. Finally, permanent assemblies are carried out mechanically, such as rivets and screws. These processes ensure the maintenance of high corrosion and mechanical strength of Cu-Ni alloys.
Grades of Copper Nickel Alloys
Copper Nickel alloys are available in several standardized grades, each tailored to specific performance requirements and industry applications. The following table explains the same in detail:
- Cu Ni 90 10 (UNS C70600): About 90% Cu, 10% Ni with small additions of iron and manganese to improve strength and seawater corrosion resistance. A typical composition is 88.7% copper, 10% nickel and 1.3% iron.
- Cu Ni 70 30 (UNS C71500): Roughly 70% Cu and 30% Ni, again with slightly higher iron and manganese contents, which gives this alloy greater strength and superior resistance to high‑velocity or polluted seawater.
| Property |
Cu Ni 90/10 (C70600) |
Cu Ni 70/30 (C71500) |
| Composition |
~88.7% Copper, 10% Nickel, 1.3% Iron |
~70% Copper, 30% Nickel |
| Ultimate Tensile Strength |
303–414 MPa |
~360 MPa |
| Yield Strength |
110–393 MPa |
~130 MPa |
| Elongation |
~42% |
Comparable to 90/10 |
| Hardness |
— |
~100 HB |
| Thermal Conductivity |
~50 W/m·K |
~29 W/m·K |
| Electrical Resistivity |
— |
~34 µΩ·cm |
| Ductility |
High |
Comparable to 90/10 |
| Weldability & Formability |
Excellent; hot- and cold-workable |
Excellent |
| Forging Temperature |
843–954 °C |
— |
| Annealing Temperature |
593–816 °C |
— |
| Typical Applications |
Seawater piping, heat exchangers, condensers, cooling loops, fish cages, desalination units, hydraulic lines |
Offshore oil & gas platforms, ship hull cladding, high-velocity seawater systems, desalination, condensers, power plant cooling |
| Standards |
ASTM B466, B467, B111; ASME SB111/B111 |
ASTM B466, B467, B111; ASME equivalents |
Applications of Copper-Nickel (Cu-Ni) Alloys
- Marine and Seawater Applications: Cu-Ni alloys including those with iron additions are not affected by corrosion and erosion in seawater.They are applied in the pipelines, valves, fittings, and heat exchangers in shipbuilding, offshore platforms and seawater desalination plants.
- Electrical Engineering: Cu-Ni alloys with 2-10% nickel (e.g., CuNi44) are used in heating cables, low-resistance electrical resistors, and components like dynamo slip rings. CuNi44 is especially valuable for precision resistors and heating units due to its low temperature coefficient and high resistivity.
- Heat Exchangers & Power Plants: Cu-Ni alloys like CuNi10Fe1Mn are used for heat exchangers, boiler fittings, and cryogenic vessels in power stations, oil refineries, and chemical plants, thanks to their corrosion resistance and strength at high temperatures.
- Aerospace & Automotive: Cu-Ni alloys are used for radiators, oil coolers, and brake lines in automobiles and aircraft due to their corrosion resistance and high strength. For example, CuNi10Fe1Mn is used for automobile brake lines, providing long-lasting performance.
- Chemical Industry: Cu-Ni alloys are utilized for valves, pump bodies, distillation equipment, and chemical reactors in industries dealing with aggressive solutions. Their wear resistance and corrosion resistance make them ideal for handling harsh chemicals.
- Industrial Machinery: In industries such as paper mills and textile manufacturing, Cu-Ni alloys are used in corrosion-resistant vessels, pipes, and fittings, ensuring long-term durability in demanding environments.
Factors Affecting Copper Nickel Price
There are many factors that might affect the copper nickel price. These factors can be explained as:
- Base metal prices: Prices depend on copper and nickel market rates. Higher nickel content (like in 70/30) increases cost.
- Grade composition: 90/10 is more cost-effective for large-scale applications.
- Market demand and supply: Demand from shipbuilding, marine and offshore sectors affects pricing.
- Specification and quality requirements: ASTM/ASME-certified materials cost more due to testing and quality control.
- Processing and form: Forms like seamless tubes, forged flanges or machined fittings impact final pricing.
To get accurate pricing as per your specific requirements, connect with us today to request a quote.
Why Choose Kalpataru Piping Solutions?
Kalpataru Piping Solutions is an Indian based manufacturer of copper-nickel materials, such as Cu Ni 90/10 and 70/30 alloys. We also have a complete variety of products including sheets, pipes, flanges, and customized fittings. Our supply includes C70600 and C71500, which serve such industries as marine, desalination, power and offshore. We maintain the best quality standards by ensuring that we only use certified raw materials and do extensive testing to take care of the ASTM/ASME standards. Having a solid belief in the customer-centric approach, we pay attention to learning your unique needs and offer cost-effective and efficient solutions. Kalpataru Piping Solutions is a company that is based in the world, serving the customers with the best quality and reliable copper-nickel products.
Copper-nickel alloy products such as copper-nickel pipes and tubes, flanges, round bars, wires, buttweld fittings, forged fittings, filler wire, fasteners, plates and sheets are comprised of our wide product line to address the needs of demanding applications in many industries.
Conclusion
Copper‑nickel (cupronickel) alloys combine the conductivity of copper with the strength and corrosion resistance of nickel. Grades such as 90/10 (C70600) and 70/30 (C71500) have been proven to be among the best on the market, because of their great seawater corrosion resistance, high thermal stability, and biofouling resistance. 90/10 is an economical option for standard marine systems, whereas for more aggressive new build models 70/30 will enhance performance over 90/10. Kalpataru Piping Solutions supplies certified copper-nickel products, that are high-quality and available to a multi-national industries. Contact us for more information about any product!