Cu 99.95 Powder

Overview of Cu 99.95 Powder

Cu 99.95 powder, also referred to as electrolytic tough pitch (ETP) copper powder, is a high purity copper powder containing a minimum of 99.95% copper.

It has excellent electrical and thermal conductivity combined with good mechanical properties. Key applications include electrical contacts, brushes, welding products, brazing, friction materials and diamond tools.

Some key properties and advantages of Cu 99.95 powder include:

Cu 99.95 Powder Properties and Characteristics

Properties	Details
Composition	99.95% minimum copper
Density	8.94 g/cc
Particle shape	Irregular, angular
Size range	2-150 microns
Apparent density	Up to 50% of true density
Flowability	Low to moderate
Conductivity	Excellent electrical and thermal conductivity
Sinterability	Good sinterability in H2 atmosphere
Purity	High purity copper

Cu 99.95 provides an optimal balance of conductivity, mechanical properties, sintering characteristics and cost for fabrication of parts via pressing and sintering.

Cu 99.95 Powder Composition

Typical composition of Cu 99.95 powder:

Cu 99.95 Powder Composition

Element	Weight %
Copper (Cu)	99.95% min
Oxygen (O)	0.05% max
Lead (Pb)	0.005% max
Other impurities	0.005% max

• Copper provides excellent conductivity and ductility
• Oxygen present as impurity affects conductivity and sintering
• Lead and other impurities carefully controlled

High copper content gives excellent electrical and thermal conductivity combined with good mechanical properties after sintering.

Cu 99.95 Powder Physical Properties

Cu 99.95 Powder Physical Properties

Properties	Values
Density	8.94 g/cc
Melting point	1083°C
Thermal conductivity	400 W/mK
Electrical resistivity	1.72 μΩ-cm
Recrystallization temperature	200-300°C
Curie temperature	-269°C

• High density compared to iron and aluminum
• Excellent thermal conductivity for heat removal
• Low electrical resistivity provides high conductivity
• Resistivity increases above Curie temperature
• Recrystallization enables sintering and improves ductility

The physical properties make Cu 99.95 suitable for applications like electrical contacts and brushes requiring high conductivity.

Cu 99.95 Powder Mechanical Properties

Cu 99.95 Powder Mechanical Properties

Properties	Values
Tensile strength	220-340 MPa
Yield strength	70-190 MPa
Elongation	35-60%
Hardness	45-90 HB
Modulus of elasticity	110-130 GPa
Compressive strength	500-700 MPa

• Good combination of strength and high ductility
• Relatively low hardness and high malleability
• Moderate strength levels compared to high strength alloys
• Properties depend on factors like porosity and grain size

The mechanical properties make Cu 99.95 suitable for softer conductive components that require deformation and compressive strength.

Cu 99.95 Powder Applications

Typical applications of Cu 99.95 powder include:

Cu 99.95 Powder Applications

Industry	Application Examples
Electrical and electronics	Contacts, connectors, brushes, RF shielding
Automotive	Brushes, bushings, bearings
Industrial	Welding electrodes, casting molds, metal matrix composites
Manufacturing	Brazing and soldering, tooling components
Friction products	Brake pads, clutch discs

Some specific uses:

• Sliding electrical contacts and brushes
• Structural components requiring conductivity
• Jewelry crafting and artisanal products
• Diamond tools with copper metal matrix
• Welding rods and brazing paste formulations
• Mold liners for casting reactive alloys

The excellent balance of conductivity, mechanical properties, formability and cost make Cu 99.95 suitable for this broad range of applications.

Cu 99.95 Powder Specifications

Key specifications for Cu 99.95 powder include:

Cu 99.95 Powder Specifications

Standard	Description
ASTM B602	Standard specification for undeformed, wrought, electrolytic tough pitch copper
JIS H3125	Electrolytic copper and copper alloy powders
ISO 3497	Copper powders for general purposes
ASTM B Guidance	Apparent density, flow rate, particle size distribution

These standards define:

• Minimum 99.95% copper content
• Limits on impurities like O, Pb
• Required powder characteristics
• Production method – electrolytic process
• Acceptable particle size distribution
• Testing methods for powder properties

Compliance ensures the powder meets the required purity and properties for the intended application.

Cu 99.95 Powder Particle Sizes

Cu 99.95 Powder Particle Size Distribution

Particle Size	Characteristics
2-20 microns	Very fine powder used in microelectronics
5-30 microns	Fine powder for sintering and injection molding
15-150 microns	Coarse powder suitable for pressing

• Finer powder sizes provide greater sintered density
• Coarse powder has better flowability for automated filling
• Size range tailored based on part requirements
• Both irregular and spherical powder shapes are available

Controlling particle size distribution allows optimizing pressing characteristics, sintered density and properties.

Cu 99.95 Powder Apparent Density

Cu 99.95 Powder Apparent Density

Apparent Density	Details
Up to 50% of true density	For irregular powder morphology
3.5-5.0 g/cc typical	Compacts to nearly full density after pressing and sintering

• Higher apparent density improves powder flow and compactibility
• Irregular morphology limits maximum packing density
• Values up to 60% are possible with optimized spherical powder
• High green density after compaction enables good sintering

Higher apparent density improves manufacturing productivity and part quality.

Cu 99.95 Powder Production Method

Cu 99.95 Powder Production

Method	Details
Electrolysis	Copper cathodes dissolved anodically into Cu+ ions which are deposited onto stainless steel cathodes
Grinding	Coarse powder broken down and classified into specific size ranges
Annealing	Softens the powder particles and improves compressibility
Reducing atmosphere	Prevents oxidation of particles during production

• Automated electrolytic process allows high purity powder production
• Grinding and sieving provides controlled particle size distribution
• Annealing enables easy compaction into high density parts
• Strict process control ensures reliable and consistent powder quality

Cu 99.95 Powder Pricing

Cu 99.95 Powder Pricing

Factor	Impact on Price
Purity grade	Higher purity grades cost more
Particle size	Ultrafine is more expensive
Order quantity	Price decreases with bulk orders
Production method	Additional processing increases cost
Packaging	Special packaging like vacuum sealing adds cost

Indicative Pricing

• Cu 99.95 fine powder: $8-12 per kg
• Cu 99.95 coarse powder: $7-10 per kg
• Reduced pricing applicable for bulk orders >500 kg

Pricing depends on order volume, particle size, production method, purity level and packaging.

Cu 99.95 Powder Suppliers

Cu 99.95 Powder Suppliers

Company	Location
Kymera International	USA
GGP Metalpowder	Germany
American Chemet Corporation	USA
Shanghai CNPC Powder Material	China
Nuclead	France
Libo Metals	China

Selection factors for suppliers:

• Powder purity levels and grades offered
• Production capacity and lead times
• Average particle size ranges
• Customization of size distribution
• Packaging and minimum order quantity
• Pricing levels based on order volume
• Compliance with international specifications

Cu 99.95 Powder Handling and Storage

Cu 99.95 Powder Handling

Recommendation	Reason
Avoid inhalation	Potential respiratory irritation
Use masks, gloves	Prevent ingestion
Ensure adequate ventilation	Reduce airborne particles
Avoid ignition sources	Flammable dust hazard
Follow anti-static procedures	Prevent fire from static discharge
Use non-sparking tools	Avoid ignition during handling
Store in cool, dry location	Prevent oxidation and moisture absorption

Storage Recommendations

• Store in sealed containers away from acids or chlorides
• Maintain temperatures below 27°C
• Limit exposure to:
  • Oxidizing acids like nitric acid
  • Hot sulfuric acid
  • Hydrogen sulfide
  • Ammonia solutions
  • Chlorinated hydrocarbons

Proper handling and storage helps preserve purity and prevent reactivity or fire hazards.

Cu 99.95 Powder Inspection and Testing

Cu 99.95 Powder Testing

Test Type	Details
Chemical analysis	ICP analysis to verify composition
Particle size distribution	Laser diffraction analysis
Apparent density	Hall flowmeter test per ASTM B212
Powder morphology	SEM imaging
Tap density	Measured after mechanical tapping
Flow rate analysis	Gravity flow rate through specified nozzle

Stringent testing ensures the powder meets chemical, physical and morphological specifications required for the application.

Cu 99.95 Powder Pros and Cons

Advantages of Cu 99.95 Powder

• Excellent electrical and thermal conductivity
• Good ductility and malleability
• Cost-effective compared to pure silver or gold
• Good corrosion resistance and bio-compatibility
• Easy to sinter and compress into high density parts
• Recyclable and environmentally friendly

Limitations of Cu 99.95 Powder

• Lower strength than high strength alloys
• Moderate high temperature oxidation resistance
• Heavy compared to magnesium and aluminum
• Not suitable for highly stressed load-bearing components
• Surface tarnishing over time if uncoated
• Restricted food contact applications

Comparison With CuCrZr Powder

Cu 99.95 vs CuCrZr Powder

Parameter	Cu 99.95	CuCrZr
Density	8.94 g/cc	8.8 g/cc
Strength	220-340 MPa	450-650 MPa
Conductivity	Excellent	Moderate
Thermal stability	Fair	Excellent
Cost	Low	High
Uses	Electrical, thermal,moderate load	High strength structural parts

• Cu 99.95 has better conductivity and lower cost
• CuCrZr provides higher strength and thermal stability
• Cu 99.95 suitable for softer conductive components
• CuCrZr preferred for high load structural parts

Cu 99.95 Powder FAQs

Q: What are the main applications of Cu 99.95 powder?

A: The main applications include electrical contacts, brushes, welding products, diamond tools, brazing alloys, friction materials, and metal matrix composites. It is widely used in electronics, automotive and industrial products.

Q: What affects the properties of Cu 99.95 powder parts?

A: Key factors affecting properties are apparent density, amount of lubricant, compacting pressure, sintering time/temperature, powder composition, particle size distribution, and presence of impurities.

Q: What precautions should be taken when handling Cu 99.95 powder?

A: Recommended precautions include avoiding inhalation, ensuring proper ventilation, wearing protective gear, controlling static discharge, using non-sparking tools, avoiding ignition sources, and storing in a cool, dry location in sealed containers.

Q: How does Cu 99.95 powder differ from bronze and brass powders?

A: Bronze and brass are copper alloys with tin and zinc while Cu 99.95 is pure copper. It has higher conductivity but lower strength than bronze or brass. Cu 99.95 is more cost-effective.