Oxygen-Free Copper (UNS C10300)
Copper alloy C10300, also known as Oxygen-Free Copper (OFC), is a high-purity copper alloy that contains very low levels of oxygen. It belongs to the oxygen-free copper family, which is characterized by its excellent electrical and thermal conductivity properties.
| Chemical Composition | ||
|---|---|---|
| Element | Min | Max |
| Copper | 99.95% | —— |
| Phosphorus | 0.001% | 0.005% |
The following table provides a list of copper C10300 properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units.
Click on the icon to switch between Metric and Imperial units.
| Physical Properties | Metric |
|---|---|
| Density | 8800 - 8940 kg/m3 |
| Mechanical Properties | Metric |
| Tensile Strength (Ultimate) | 230 - 410 MPa |
| Tensile Strength (Yield) | 80 - 400 MPa |
| Shear Strength | 160 - 240 MPa |
| Young’s Modulus (E) | 115 GPa |
| Shear Modulus (G) | 44 GPa |
| Elongation at Break | 50% |
| Poisson’s Ratio (ν) | 0.31 |
| Thermal Properties | Metric |
| Melting Point | 1080 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 390 W/m·K |
| Specific Heat Capacity (Cp) | 385 J/kg·K |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (αL) | 1.7×10-5 1/°C |
| Electrical Properties | Metric |
| Electrical Conductivity | 5.7×107 S/m |
| Electrical Resistivity | 1.7×10-8 Ω·m |
The values in this table are approximate and can vary depending on various factors such as the specific manufacturing process and heat treatment applied to the alloy.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Copper C10300
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Excellent Electrical Conductivity | High Cost |
| High Thermal Conductivit | Soft |
| Good Corrosion Resistance | Limited Availability |
| Good Ductility and Formability | Joining Techniques |
Applications of Copper C10300
Copper alloy C10300 (Oxygen-Free Copper) finds application in various industries and sectors due to its excellent electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, and ductility. Some common applications include:
- Electrical and Electronic Equipment: C10300 is widely used in electrical and electronic equipment that requires high conductivity and minimal electrical losses. It is used in cables, bus bars, connectors, switches, terminals, and printed circuit boards (PCBs).
- Power Generation and Transmission: C10300 is employed in power generation and transmission systems due to its high electrical conductivity. It is used in power cables, transformers, generators, and power distribution equipment.
- Heat Exchangers: The good thermal conductivity of C10300 makes it suitable for heat exchangers used in HVAC systems, refrigeration units, and industrial processes. It efficiently transfers heat between fluids or gases.
- Plumbing Systems: C10300’s corrosion resistance and excellent formability make it a preferred material for plumbing systems, including pipes, fittings, valves, and connectors.
- Marine Applications: Due to its corrosion resistance, C10300 is used in marine applications, such as shipbuilding, offshore structures, and marine equipment, where exposure to seawater and saltwater environments is common.
- Medical and Scientific Instruments: C10300’s high purity and electrical conductivity make it suitable for medical and scientific instruments. It is used in MRI machines, particle accelerators, electrodes, and other equipment requiring accurate measurements and low electrical resistance.
- Electrical Contacts: C10300 is employed in electrical contacts, such as switches, relays, and connectors, where reliable electrical conductivity and durability are essential.
- Aerospace and Defense: C10300 is used in various aerospace and defense applications, including wiring, connectors, antennas, radar systems, and electronic components, due to its high electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance.
- Automotive Industry: C10300 is utilized in automotive wiring, connectors, electrical components, and heat exchangers due to its electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and resistance to corrosion.
- Renewable Energy: C10300 is employed in renewable energy systems, such as solar panels and wind turbines, for electrical conductors, bus bars, and connectors.