Pure Copper refers to copper with very high copper content (≥ 99.9%), containing only trace impurities. It is valued globally for its exceptional electrical and thermal conductivity, excellent corrosion resistance, ductility, and workability.
Pure copper is the benchmark material for electrical, thermal, and chemical applications and forms the base metal for all copper alloys such as brass, bronze, and cupronickel. Common designations include ETP Copper (C11000), Oxygen-Free Copper (C10100 / C10200), and Deoxidized Copper (C12200).
Typical Chemical Composition
| Element | Typical % |
|---|---|
| Copper (Cu) | ≥ 99.9 |
| Oxygen (ETP) | ≤ 0.04 |
| Phosphorus (DHP) | 0.015 – 0.04 |
| Other Impurities | Trace |
Metallurgical Insight:
Even very small impurities significantly affect conductivity,
which is why copper grades are carefully controlled.
Key Physical Properties
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 8.96 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 1085°C |
| Electrical Conductivity | 97 – 101% IACS |
| Thermal Conductivity | ~390 – 400 W/m·K |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 16.5 × 10⁻⁶ /°C |
| Color | Reddish-orange |
| Magnetic | Non-magnetic |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent |
Key Mechanical Properties
| Property | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 200 – 450 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 50 – 350 MPa |
| Elongation | 5 – 45% |
| Hardness | 40 – 120 HB |
| Modulus of Elasticity | ~110 GPa |
| Fatigue Resistance | Moderate |
Pure copper is soft in the annealed condition and gains strength rapidly through cold working.
Strengthening & Metallurgical Behaviour
✔ Single-phase FCC crystal structure
✔ No phase transformations
✔ Strengthening only by cold working (strain hardening)
✔ No heat-treatment or precipitation hardening
Heat Treatment:
Annealing at 200–600°C restores ductility;
grain growth occurs at high temperatures.
Refining & Processing Properties
✔ Electrolytic refining produces up to 99.99% purity
✔ Oxygen level controlled based on application
✔ Easily rolled, drawn, extruded, and forged
✔ Excellent weldability, brazability, and solderability
✔ Poor machinability compared to copper alloys
✔ Readily recyclable without property loss
Processing Advantage:
Copper can be recycled indefinitely with minimal degradation.
Available Forms
Sheets and plates
Strips and coils
Rods and bars
Wires and cables
Tubes and pipes
Foils
Busbars
Forged components
Sizes range from micron-thick foils to large industrial plates.
Key Characteristics
✔ Exceptional electrical conductivity
✔ Outstanding thermal conductivity
✔ Excellent corrosion resistance
✔ Extremely ductile and malleable
✔ Non-magnetic
✔ Antimicrobial properties
✔ 100% recyclable
Applications of Pure Copper
Electrical & Electronics
Power cables
Busbars
Windings and coils
PCB laminates
Transformers
Thermal & Energy
Heat exchangers
Radiators
Solar thermal systems
EV battery connectors
Plumbing & HVAC
Water pipes
Refrigeration tubing
Air-conditioning systems
Industrial & Chemical
Chemical vessels
Electrodes
Cathodes
Architecture & Consumer
Roofing and cladding
Decorative panels
Cookware
Advantages of Pure Copper
✔ Highest electrical conductivity among engineering metals
✔ Superior heat transfer capability
✔ Long service life
✔ Resistant to atmospheric and water corrosion
✔ Environmentally sustainable
✔ Widely accepted global material standard
Why Choose Pure Copper?
Choose Pure Copper when your application demands maximum electrical or thermal conductivity, high reliability and durability, excellent formability, resistance to corrosion, long-term cost efficiency, and compliance with international standards.
Industry Rule:
If conductivity is the priority, no alloy outperforms pure copper.
Comparison with Copper Alloys
| Material | Conductivity | Strength | Machinability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pure Copper | ★★★★★ | ★★ | ★ |
| Brass | ★★ | ★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Bronze | ★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★ |
| Aluminum | ★★★ | ★★ | ★★★ |