Electrolytic Tough Pitch Copper (ETP Copper), designated as C11000, is the most widely used grade of commercial copper. It contains approximately 99.9% pure copper with a small controlled oxygen content, providing exceptional electrical and thermal conductivity.
ETP copper is refined through electrolytic processes to achieve high purity and is the preferred material for electrical, power transmission, and high-conductivity applications across global industries.
Chemical Composition
| Element | Typical % |
|---|---|
| Copper (Cu) | 99.90 – 99.95 |
| Oxygen (O) | 0.02 – 0.04 |
| Silver (Ag) | ~0.02 (trace) |
| Other Impurities | < 0.01 total |
Note:
Oxygen exists as finely dispersed Cu₂O (cuprous oxide) particles at grain boundaries,
which enhances conductivity but limits use in hydrogen-rich environments.
Key Physical Properties
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 8.94 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 1083°C |
| Electrical Conductivity | 100 – 101% IACS |
| Electrical Resistivity | ~1.68 μΩ·cm |
| Thermal Conductivity | ~390 – 401 W/m·K |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 16.5 × 10⁻⁶ /°C |
| Magnetic Behavior | Non-magnetic |
| Crystal Structure | FCC |
Key Mechanical Properties
| Property | Annealed (Soft) | Half Hard | Hard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 200 – 220 MPa | 250 – 300 MPa | 350 – 420 MPa |
| Yield Strength | ~70 MPa | ~200 MPa | ~350 MPa |
| Elongation | 35 – 45% | 10 – 20% | 2 – 5% |
| Hardness (HV) | 40 – 55 | 70 – 95 | 100 – 120 |
Strengthening & Metallurgical Behavior
✔ FCC crystal structure ensures excellent ductility
✔ Strength increases through cold working (strain hardening)
✔ No precipitation or age hardening
✔ Annealing at 200–300°C restores ductility and conductivity
✔ Grain size controlled through thermal treatment
Key Characteristics of ETP Copper
✔ Exceptional electrical conductivity
✔ Excellent thermal conductivity
✔ Very good formability (rolling, drawing, bending)
✔ Excellent solderability and brazability
✔ Non-magnetic
✔ Cost-effective compared to oxygen-free grades
✔ Highly recyclable
Limitation:
ETP copper is not suitable for hydrogen-rich or reducing atmospheres at high temperature
due to hydrogen embrittlement caused by Cu₂O.
Refining & Processing Properties
✔ Electrolytic refining for high purity
✔ Oxygen controlled during casting
✔ Excellent hot and cold workability
✔ High drawability into fine wires
✔ Easily rolled into sheets, strips, and foils
✔ Compatible with extrusion and forging
Available Forms
Copper rods (CCR rods)
Copper wires and cables
Copper strips and foils
Copper sheets and plates
Copper bars and busbars
Tubes and pipes
Custom profiles and extrusions
Applications of ETP Copper
Electrical & Power
Wires and cables
Busbars and conductors
Transformers and generators
Switchgear components
Electronics
PCB tracks
Connectors and terminals
Motor windings
Inductors and coils
Industrial & Infrastructure
Heat exchangers
Welding electrodes
Earthing systems
Power distribution and grounding
Advantages of ETP Copper
✔ Industry-leading conductivity
✔ Excellent ductility and workability
✔ Reliable electrical performance
✔ Economical versus oxygen-free copper
✔ Strong global availability
✔ Easy fabrication and joining
Why Choose ETP Copper?
Choose Electrolytic Tough Pitch Copper when you need maximum electrical efficiency, high-volume production capability, cost-effective conductivity, easy fabrication, and proven reliability across industries.
Engineering Recommendation:
ETP copper is the default material for electrical and power applications
where hydrogen exposure or extreme vacuum conditions are not present.
Sustainability & Recycling
✔ 100% recyclable without property loss
✔ Lower energy demand compared to primary copper
✔ Widely reused in electrical scrap recovery