Pure Copper Powder

Overview of Pure Copper Powder

Pure copper powder contains 99.5% or higher copper content. It provides excellent thermal and electrical conductivity combined with good corrosion resistance, solderability, and bio-compatibility.

Key properties and advantages of pure copper powder:

Pure Copper Powder Properties and Characteristics

Properties	Details
Composition	99.5% or higher copper content
Density	8.94 g/cc
Particle shape	Spherical, irregular
Size range	1-150 microns
Apparent density	Up to 50% of true density
Conductivity	Excellent, second only to silver
Solderability	Excellent due to oxidation resistance
Bio-compatibility	High, safe for food contact

Pure copper powder is ideal for applications like welding products, brazing alloys, friction materials, diamond tools, electrical contacts, and metal injection molding.

Pure Copper Powder Composition

Typical composition of pure copper powder:

Pure Copper Powder Composition

Element	Weight %
Copper (Cu)	99.5% min
Oxygen (O)	0.05% max
Lead (Pb)	0.005% max
Other impurities	0.005% max

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

High copper content, low oxide, and minimal impurities result in excellent electrical and thermal conductivity combined with good mechanical properties.

Pure Copper Powder Physical Properties

Pure Copper Powder Physical Properties

Property	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 magnesium or aluminum
• Excellent thermal conductivity for heat dissipation
• Low electrical resistivity provides high conductivity
• Recrystallization enables sintering and improves ductility
• Resistivity increases above Curie point

These properties make pure copper suitable for highly conductive components like electrical contacts and brushes.

Pure Copper Powder Mechanical Properties

Pure Copper Powder Mechanical Properties

Property	Values
Tensile strength	220-340 MPa
Yield strength	69-172 MPa
Elongation	35-60%
Hardness	45-90 HB
Modulus of elasticity	110-130 GPa
Compressive strength	500-700 MPa

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

The properties make pure copper suitable for soft, highly conductive components requiring good deformation and compressive strength.

Pure Copper Powder Applications

Typical applications of pure copper powder include:

Pure Copper Powder Applications

Industry	Uses
Electricals	Contacts, brushes, welding electrodes
Electronics	Conductive adhesives, RF shielding
Automotive	Brushes, bushings, bearings
Industrial	Diamond tools, casting molds
Manufacturing	Brazing alloys, powder metallurgy
Friction products	Brake pads, clutch discs

Some specific product uses:

• Sliding electrical contacts and brushes
• Heat sinks and thermal management components
• Welding rods, brazing pastes, and solder filler metal
• Metal matrix composites like diamond tools
• Net shape components made via metal injection molding
• Pump bushings, impellers, and other wear parts

The high conductivity, corrosion resistance, bio-compatibility and moderate strength make pure copper suitable for this diverse range of electrical, thermal, and moderate wear applications across all industries.

Pure Copper Powder Specifications

Key specifications for pure copper powder include:

Pure Copper Powder Specifications

Standard	Description
ASTM B602	Specification for high purity electrolytic copper powder
JIS H2111	Specs for electrolytic copper and copper alloy powders
ISO 3497	Specification for general purpose copper powders
ASTM B243	Guidance on apparent density and flow rate

These define:

• Minimum 99.5% copper content
• Limits on impurities like oxygen and lead
• Required powder characteristics
• Apparent density and flow rate
• Approved production method – electrolytic
• Sampling and testing protocols

Meeting these specifications ensures suitability for applications needing high thermal and electrical conductivity combined with good mechanical properties.

Pure Copper Powder Particle Sizes

Pure Copper Powder Particle Size Distribution

Size	Characteristics
1-10 microns	Ultrafine grade used in microelectronics
10-30 microns	Fine grade suitable for sintering
30-150 microns	Coarse grade has good flow for pressing

• Finer sizes provide higher sintered density
• Coarser powder has improved flowability
• Size range tailored based on targeted application
• Both spherical and irregular shapes available

Controlling particle size distribution optimizes pressing behavior, sintered density and final part properties.

Pure Copper Powder Apparent Density

Pure Copper Powder Apparent Density

Apparent Density	Details
Up to 50% of true density	For irregular powder morphology
3.5-5.0 g/cc typical	Improves with greater packing density

• Higher apparent density improves powder flow and compressibility
• Irregular morphology limits maximum packing density
• Values up to 60% achievable with spherical powder
• High apparent density enables easier compaction

Higher apparent density leads to more efficient powder pressing and sintering to full density.

Pure Copper Powder Production

Pure Copper Powder Production

Method	Details
Electrolysis	Copper cathodes dissolved anodically into Cu+ ions and deposited on stainless steel cathodes
Ball milling	Coarse powder broken down and classified into specific sizes
Annealing	Softens the powder particles and improves compressibility
Reducing atmosphere	Prevents oxidation of particles during production

• Automated electrolytic process allows large scale production
• Milling and sieving provides controlled particle size distribution
• Annealing facilitates pressing and handling
• Strict process control ensures high purity and repeatable quality

Pure Copper Powder Pricing

Pure Copper Powder Pricing

Factor	Impact on Price
Purity grade	Higher purity increases cost
Particle size	Ultrafine powder more expensive
Order quantity	Bulk orders have lower per unit pricing
Production method	Additional processing increases cost
Packaging	Special packaging like vacuum sealing adds cost

Indicative Pricing

• Ultrafine pure copper powder: $15-25 per kg
• Coarse pure copper powder: $10-15 per kg
• Large volume pricing can be 40% lower

Pricing depends on purity, particle size, production method, order quantity, packaging etc.

Pure Copper Powder Suppliers

Pure Copper Powder Suppliers

Company	Location
Kymera International	USA
GGP Metalpowder	Germany
American Chemet Corporation	USA
Shanghai CNPC Powder Material	China
Mitsui Kinzoku	Japan
Nuclead	France

Selection factors for suppliers:

• Purity levels and grades offered
• Production capacity and lead times
• Average particle size ranges
• Customization of size distribution
• Packaging options and order quantities
• Pricing levels based on volume
• Compliance with international specifications

Pure Copper Powder Handling and Storage

Pure Copper Powder Handling

Recommendation	Reason
Ensure proper ventilation	Prevent exposure to fine particles
Use appropriate PPE	Avoid accidental ingestion
Follow safe protocols	Reduce health hazards
Avoid ignition sources	Flammable dust hazard
Ground equipment	Prevent static discharge
Use non-sparking tools	Prevent possibility of ignition

Storage Recommendations

• Store in stable containers in a cool, dry area
• Limit exposure to acids, ammonia, acetylene
• Maintain temperatures below 30°C

Proper precautions during handling and storage help preserve purity and prevent safety issues.

Pure Copper Powder Inspection and Testing

Pure Copper Powder Testing

Test	Details
Chemical analysis	ICP or XRF verifies composition
Particle size distribution	Laser diffraction analysis
Apparent density	Hall flowmeter test per ASTM B212
Powder morphology	SEM imaging of particle shape
Tap density test	Density measured after mechanical tapping
Flow rate analysis	Gravity flow through a specified funnel

Testing ensures the powder meets the required purity levels, particle characteristics, density specifications, morphology and flowability as per applicable standards.

Pure Copper Powder Pros and Cons

Advantages of Pure Copper Powder

• Excellent thermal and electrical conductivity
• Good corrosion resistance and bio-compatibility
• High purity provides optimal performance
• Easy to sinter and compress into high density components
• Ductile and malleable
• Recyclable and environmentally sustainable

Limitations of Pure Copper Powder

• Lower strength than many alloy powders
• Moderate high temperature oxidation resistance
• Heavy compared to magnesium or aluminum
• Not suitable for high wear or load bearing applications
• Sensitive to contamination from zinc and sulfur
• Gradually tarnishes over time if uncoated

Comparison With Brass and Bronze Powders

Pure Copper vs. Brass and Bronze Powders

Parameter	Pure Copper	Brass/Bronze
Density	8.94 g/cc	8.7-8.8 g/cc
Strength	220-340 MPa	350-550 MPa
Conductivity	Excellent	Good
Corrosion resistance	Excellent	Good
Cost	Low	Moderate
Uses	Electrical, thermal	Hardware, decorative

• Pure copper has higher conductivity and ductility
• Brass/bronze offer higher strength
• Pure copper better suited for thermal management
• Brass/bronze used for hardware and decorative items

Pure Copper Powder FAQs

Q: What are the main applications of pure copper powder?

A: Main applications include electrical contacts and brushes, welding rods, brazing alloys, diamond tools, heat sinks, net shape components made via powder metallurgy, friction materials, and conductive adhesives.

Q: What precautions should be taken when working with pure copper powder?

A: Recommended precautions include proper ventilation, appropriate PPE, safe handling protocols, grounding equipment, avoiding ignition sources, using non-sparking tools, and storing in stable inert containers away from contaminants.

Q: How does pure copper powder differ from electrolytic tough pitch (ETP) copper?

A: Pure copper powder has 99.5% or higher copper content, while ETP copper powder has minimum 99.5% copper. Pure copper provides slightly higher conductivity but the two are mostly interchangeable for common applications.

Q: What affects the properties of parts made from pure copper powder?

A: Key factors are apparent density, powder composition, particle size distribution, compaction pressure, sintering parameters, presence of impurities, and final part porosity.