Copper C101/CW004A

It is believed that copper has been
mined for over 5000 years. It can be
found in elemental form and in the
minerals cuprite, malachite, azurite,
chalcopyrite and bornite. Copper is also
often found as a by-product of silver
production.
Next to silver, copper is the next best
conductor of electricity. It is a
yellowish red metal that can be
polished to a bright metallic lustre. It
is tough, ductile and malleable. Copper
has a disagreeable taste and a peculiar
smell.
Copper is resistant to corrosion in most
atmospheres including marine and
industrial environments. It is corroded
by oxidising acids, halogens, sulphides
and ammonia based solutions.
C101 / CW004A is the designation for
the 99.9% pure copper used in a range
of engineering applications.
C101 / CW004A is also known as HC or
high conductivity copper. It has a
nominal conductivity of 100% IACS
(International Annealed Copper
Standard). It also has high thermal
conductivity. This is therefore the
material of choice for use in conductors
and electrical components but not
when the service environment is a
reducing atmosphere.
High ductility and impact strength also
serve to make C101 / CW004A an
extremely useful material.
C101 / CW004A is also the base
material from which common brasses
and bronzes are produced.