Copper-Nickel
Shop copper-nickel in a variety of grades, shapes, and sizes for marine, offshore, desalination, chemical processing, and industrial applications. Online Metals offers copper-nickel sheet and plate, round bar, pipe, and tube in popular alloys including C70600 (90/10) and C71500 (70/30). Known for its exceptional resistance to seawater corrosion, biofouling, and stress corrosion cracking, copper-nickel is ideal for demanding environments where durability, thermal stability, and marine performance matter. Order standard sizes or custom-cut copper-nickel with no minimum order requirements and fast shipping.
Shop by Shape & Alloy
Copper-nickel alloys, primarily available in common 90/10 and 70/30 grades, are renowned for their exceptional resistance to seawater corrosion, erosion, and biofouling. Mechanically, the inclusion of nickel significantly enhances the metal's tensile strength, ductility, and toughness compared to pure copper while maintaining high resistance to stress corrosion cracking. Additionally, the alloy retains favorable thermal stability and moderate electrical and thermal conductivity, making it ideal for marine hardware, heat exchangers, and piping systems.
Learn More About Copper-Nickel
Thinking about using Copper Nickel for your next project? Known for its remarkable resistance to marine biofouling and seawater corrosion, this versatile alloy is the go-to material for high-salinity and marine environments. To help you harness this incredible material, here are five important factors regarding Copper Nickel:
- The Two Main Grades
- 90/10 (C70600): Contains 90% copper and 10% nickel (plus small amounts of iron and manganese). Offers excellent resistance to general corrosion and marine biofouling, along with great formability and weldability. Widely used in seawater piping, condensers, and desalination plants.
- 70/30 (C71500): Contains 70% copper and 30% nickel. Provides higher strength and enhanced resistance to high-velocity seawater flow and impingement attack. Preferred for heavy-duty marine applications, submarine systems, and high-stress naval components.
- Natural Anti-Fouling Properties - Copper nickel inherently resists the growth of barnacles, algae, and other marine organisms on its surface. This natural biofouling resistance eliminates the need for anti-fouling paints and significantly reduces maintenance costs for submerged structures and hull cladding.
- Stress Corrosion & Corrosion Resistance - Unlike standard copper alloys, copper nickel forms a protective, self-healing oxide film in salt water. It exhibits exceptional resistance to stress corrosion cracking, pitting, and crevice corrosion, making it extremely durable in harsh offshore and marine environments.
- Thermal Conductivity & Cold Working - Copper nickel strikes a balance between thermal conductivity and mechanical strength. While less thermally conductive than pure copper, it still conducts heat efficiently enough for heavy-duty heat exchangers. It works well with standard cold-working and forming processes, though it work-hardens faster than standard brass or copper.
Some common uses for Copper Nickel:
- Marine seawater piping systems and fittings
- Desalination equipment and evaporators
- Shell-and-tube heat exchangers and condensers
- Offshore oil and gas platform components
- Hydraulic lines and brake tubing
- Ship hulls and underwater cladding
How Online Metals Can Help You? Online Metals makes it easy to find exactly what materials you need. With a wide selection of Copper Nickel sheet, plate, round bar, and tube in the U.S., we deliver both to businesses and homes with no minimum orders. We offer high-tolerance custom cuts, all supported by our first-in-class customer support, fast order processing, and economical on-time delivery.
Copper-Nickel FAQs
Why is copper nickel widely used in marine environments?
Copper nickel (cupronickel) offers exceptional resistance to seawater corrosion, erosion, and biofouling. Its natural resistance to barnacles, algae, and marine organisms reduces maintenance costs and prevents blockages in underwater piping and hull structures.
What are the main applications of copper nickel in industry?
Copper nickel is heavily used in naval and commercial marine engineering for seawater piping systems, heat exchangers, condensers, and desalination plants. It is also commonly used in power generation, offshore oil and gas platforms, and coinage manufacturing.
How does copper nickel resist marine corrosion and biofouling?
When exposed to seawater, copper nickel rapidly forms a thin, protective oxide surface layer that shields the metal from uniform and localized corrosion. Additionally, the gradual release of copper ions creates an inherently inhospitable surface for marine organisms, preventing biofouling without requiring chemical antifouling coatings.
What are the primary differences between 90/10 and 70/30 copper nickel alloys?
The 90/10 alloy (C70600) contains 90% copper and 10% nickel, offering excellent ductility, high thermal conductivity, and superior biofouling resistance at a lower cost. The 70/30 alloy (C71500) contains 70% copper and 30% nickel, providing higher tensile strength and greater resistance to high-velocity flow, impingement, and stress corrosion cracking in harsher environments.
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