Copper alloy

Article By:

Ricksecker, Ralph E. Metallurgy Division, Chase Brass and Copper Company, Cleveland, Ohio.

Last reviewed:January 2020

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.161000

A solid solution of one or more metals in copper. Many metals, although not all, alloy with copper to form solid solutions. Some insoluble metals and nonmetals are sometimes intentionally added to copper or copper alloys as dispersoids (usually by powder metallurgical processes) to enhance certain characteristics, such as elevated-temperature strength and resistance to spark erosion. Copper alloys form a group of materials of major commercial importance because they are characterized by such useful mechanical properties as high ductility and formability and excellent corrosion resistance. Copper alloys are easily joined by soldering and brazing. Like gold alloys, copper alloys have decorative red, pink, yellow, and white colors. Copper has the second highest electrical and thermal conductivity (to silver), so special high-purity grades and certain alloys are used extensively for their electrical or thermal properties. And these factors make copper alloys suitable for a wide variety of products.

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