Copper has been an important metal as humanity has moved into the modern age. Copper’s versatile properties have been valued for millennia. This article discusses eleven properties of copper that are still important.
Copper is recyclable – can be used again and again
Copper is a fully recyclable metal, meaning it can be melted down and used again and again. This is a valuable feature, as by buying copper items you can help reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.
Corrosion resistance
Copper is also corrosion resistant, meaning it will not rust or corrode over time. This makes copper a good choice for piping and other applications that come into contact with water.
Antibacterial
Copper is also antimicrobial, meaning it inhibits the growth of bacteria. This makes copper a good choice for countertops, door handles, medical devices or other applications where hygiene is important.
Durable and long-lasting
Copper is also a durable material, which means it will not rust or wear out over time. It will not be damaged by air, ultraviolet radiation or external moisture, for example.
You’ve probably seen over 100 old copper pans that are still in use This makes copper a good choice for applications where good durability is required.
Environmentally friendly
Copper is also environmentally friendly, which means it does not release harmful toxins into the air or water. This makes it a good choice for environmentally friendly building projects where green building is a priority and attention to nature and the people living around it is desired.
Good thermal conductivity
Copper also has good thermal conductivity, so it transfers heat quickly and efficiently. This makes copper a good choice for heating and cooling systems.
Thermal conductivity is also useful in the kitchen.- Top chefs have favoured copper kettles and frying pans for centuries because they heat up quickly, maintaining a constant temperature and helping food to cook evenly.
Copper does not age – it can be polished again and again
Copper is also re-polishable, which means it can be restored to its original shine with minimal labour. This makes copper a good choice for decorative applications where a shiny surface is desired
Thermal insulation
Copper also has good thermal insulation properties, which means it can help keep heat in or out of a building, depending on the application. This makes copper a good choice for insulation.
Copper’s value increases over time
Copper is also a valuable material, and its value increases over time. This makes copper a good investment for the future.
The body needs copper
Copper is an essential mineral for the human body, responsible for the absorption of iron. This makes copper a vital part of our diet.
Electrical conductivity of copper
Pure copper has a very high electrical conductivity. So high, in fact, that when comparing the electrical conductivity of other metals, copper is used as the benchmark for very good electrical conductivity. Currently, about two-thirds of all copper mined is used in electrical applications such as wires or busbars.
Copper is easy to shape
Copper is an easily malleable metal. It is inherently soft and can be easily shaped without breaking or cracking into different shapes with a hammer or other tools. This makes copper a good option for places where it needs to be shaped around an existing structure such as copper roofs, electrical installations or even pipe installations.
