How does copper plate parts perform in terms of corrosion resistance?
Publish Time: 2025-04-01
As an important member of metal processing hardware parts, copper plate parts show unique advantages in corrosion resistance. This is not only due to the chemical properties of copper itself, but also closely related to the proportion of copper alloys, manufacturing processes and subsequent surface treatment.
Copper is an electropositive metal, and its standard electrode potential is higher than the standard hydrogen electrode potential, but lower than the standard oxygen electrode potential. Therefore, when copper corrodes in aqueous solution, it is mainly oxygen depolarization corrosion, and it is not easy to produce hydrogen depolarization corrosion. This characteristic makes copper show good corrosion resistance in a variety of environments. Especially in the atmosphere, copper has high thermodynamic stability and is not easy to oxidize. Copper exposed to the atmosphere for a long time will first generate purple-red cuprous oxide on the surface, and then gradually generate basic copper carbonate or basic copper sulfate protective film, which can effectively prevent further corrosion of copper.
In the marine environment, copper also performs well. Copper is resistant to seawater corrosion, and the corrosion rate is about 0.05mm/year. In addition, copper ions are toxic, making it difficult for marine organisms to adhere to the surface of copper alloy parts, thus avoiding corrosion by marine organisms. This feature makes copper plate parts widely used in marine engineering and shipbuilding, such as seawater pipelines, condenser pipes, etc.
In addition to the naturally formed protective layer, the corrosion resistance of copper plate parts can be further improved by alloying treatment. For example, C71500 copper plate forms a dense oxide film by adding 30% nickel and other trace elements, which effectively inhibits the penetration of chloride ions, thereby improving corrosion resistance in saline environments. This copper plate has an annual corrosion rate as low as 0.025mm/year in the application of seawater pipelines on drilling platforms in the South China Sea, showing excellent corrosion resistance.
In addition, the corrosion resistance of copper plate parts is also affected by the manufacturing process and subsequent surface treatment. By optimizing the manufacturing process, such as cold rolling, 3D printing, etc., the hardness and wear resistance of copper plate parts can be improved, thereby enhancing its corrosion resistance. At the same time, surface treatment processes such as spraying and electroplating can form a protective coating on the surface of copper plate parts, isolating the contact between external corrosive media and the substrate, and further extending its service life.
However, it is worth noting that copper plate parts may still be corroded in certain specific environments. For example, in an environment containing highly corrosive media such as chlorides and sulfides, the corrosion resistance of copper will be significantly reduced. In addition, harsh conditions such as high temperature and high humidity may also accelerate the corrosion of copper. Therefore, when selecting copper plate parts, it is necessary to select the appropriate component ratio and manufacturing process according to the specific use environment and use requirements.
In summary, copper plate parts have excellent corrosion resistance, which is due to the chemical properties of copper itself, alloying treatment, manufacturing process and subsequent surface treatment. In a variety of application scenarios, copper plate parts have shown excellent corrosion resistance, providing a strong guarantee for the stable operation of equipment.
