What Are The Applications Of Copper In Engineering?
Currently, copper has an extensive range of applications in the various areas of engineering. Here is a list of the main applications of copper;
1. Electrical wiring.
Electrical wiring contributes for 60% of all copper uses, while roofing and plumbing account for 20% and equipment contributes for 15%.
Despite the fact that many other materials may be used for electrical wiring, copper has high electrical conductivity capabilities and is hence the chosen material for practically all forms of wire.
Copper has a wide range of applications in electrical electronics owing to its high thermal and electrical conductivity as well as malleability and durability.
2. Copper for Electronics.
Copper has a wide range of applications in the area of electronics owing to its high thermal and electrical conductivity.
It forms a major component ingredient in semiconductors, wires and cable insulation, which are used in various electronic applications. Copper is also used in printed circuit boards as a conductor or shield to protect electronic components from overheating.
3. Copper in auto motives,
Copper is mostly utilized in construction electric vehicles and vehicles parking.
Copper has a wide range of applications in the area of automobiles and its related processes, such as electric vehicles and vehicles parking.
A major component of copper is the wiring for electrical equipment, thus contributing to the cost of autos. As copper has good thermal conductivity and is relatively easy to work, it is generally used for wiring an automobile’s engine compartment.
4. Copper for Renewable Energy.
Solar power, wind power and geothermal are the main sources of renewable energy. Copper has excellent properties as a conductor and is therefore used in transmission lines that carry power from one area to another. These are mainly constructed by underground cable.
What Is The History Of Copper?
This metal gets its name from the Old English word “coper,” which originates from the Latin word “Cyprium aes,” which meaning “metal from Cyprus.”
Copper has been known to some of the world’s oldest civilizations since prehistoric times.
It is said to have been very first metal used by humans (with the oldest use about 9000 BC) since it can be found in relatively pure forms, which means it does not need to be mined from an ore.
Copper was formerly utilized as a pigment because it was known to lend blue or green colors to minerals such as azurite and malachite.
This was the first metal smelted from its ore (around 5000 BC), which initiated its use as a raw material for manufacturing tools and weapons.
It was also used in pottery and beads in ancient Egypt. By approximately 3000 BC, the Sumerians used copper in the production of the first alloys, which were bronze and brass.
What Are The Advantages Of Copper In The Human Body?
Copper is an essential mineral that has many beneficial properties in the human body. It plays a role in the development of nerve tissue, its antioxidant activity and promotes healing.
Copper assists in the synthesis of red blood cells, aids in iron metabolism and play a role in bone formation.
Copper is also critical for proper brain function and development. It is a similar situation to iron, with an adult requiring approximately 1µg (micrograms) per day from dietary sources to prevent deficiencies. Some other benefits of copper include;
1. Cardiovascular health.
Copper plays an important role in cardiovascular health, as it helps maintain elasticity in arteries and blood vessels.
It is essential for normal function of the heart and blood circulation. A deficiency in copper intake may lead to coronary and arterial disease, high blood pressure and atherosclerosis.
Copper is a component of the enzyme erythropoietin, which helps regulate red blood cell production by increasing the synthesis of hemoglobin (which carries oxygen to tissues), as well as its formation.
2. Neuron signaling.
Copper is important for nerve health. It is involved in many cellular functions, including neurotransmitter release and communication between cells, as well as in the production of essential structural components such as myelin (which protects neurons).
3. Immune function.
Copper is an essential component of the immune system and plays a role in antibody synthesis. It is also involved in the production of required regulatory proteins, which are vital for immune response.
4. Osteoporosis.
Copper is involved in bone formation, so a deficiency may lead to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a progressive and debilitating disease that affects the final years of life in which bones become weak, porous and fragile.
Copper deficiency often occurs with inadequate diet or when absorption is impaired by vomiting, diarrhea or chronic liver disease.
5. Collagen production.
Copper is crucial for collagen production. It is involved in many processes of collagen synthesis and formation, as well as the development of bone from cartilage.
6. Arthritis.
Copper helps in prevention of arthritis by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory compounds such as nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2 and interleukin-1.
It also increases the production of anti-inflammatory compounds such as anti-oxidants and prostaglandins PGE2, PGF2a and LXA4.
7. Antioxidant action.
Copper helps in reducing production of harmful oxygen radicals. It is an essential antioxidant and its deficiency may lead to oxidative stress and the onset of a variety of diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and cancer.
Copper is a part of many antioxidant enzymes that assist in scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the prevention of oxidative damage to cells.
Uses Of Copper In Our Daily Lives?
There is certainly more copper or copper-based alloy in your environment than you realize. Part of the reason for this is because copper alloys vary in color and tint depending on their composition.
This indicates they lack a single distinguishing trait. Here is a list of more applications for copper;
1. Kitchen Sink,
Copper in kitchen sink has a wide variety of applications. Its durability, malleability and ductility make it ideal for the fabrication of kitchen sinks and faucets.
For example, copper pipes are used in the fabrication of built-in microwave ovens and refrigerators. Copper is corrosion -resistant, heat-resistant and used in the fabrication of other kitchen utensils.
2. Jewelry.
Copper in accessories is a valuable asset. Its malleability and high thermal and electrical conductivity makes it ideal for the production of jewelry due to its ability to withstand wear and tear.
3. Table tops.
Copper is used to create table tops. The high thermal and electrical conductivity makes it an ideal material for the fabrication of table tops for foods, solders and other kitchen utensils.
Its malleability makes it ideal for producing silverware and mugs as well. Its metallic properties also make it ideal when used in the production of decorative commercial goods such as pens and keys.
4. Railings.
Copper in trains is a valuable asset. Its thermal and electrical conductivity makes it ideal for the fabrication of railings and other commercial items such as displays and display cabinets.
This makes it an ideal material for jewelry, fixtures, utensils as well as other accessories such as key-chains.
5. Pull handles and door knobs.
Copper makes excellent pull handles and door knobs. These products are ideal for the fabrication of furniture such as mirrors, cabinets, wardrobes and doors.
They are also used on a variety of commercial goods and in the production of accessories such as keys and pens. Its durability is a valuable asset, which also makes it ideal for use in railways.
6. Wire.
Copper is easily processed and has a large thermal and electrical conductivity. It’s also malleable, which makes it ideal in the fabrication of wires for a number of appliances such as microwaves, fridges and other kitchen utensils.
It is also used in the production of silverware, commercial goods and in the fabrication of accessories such as metal key cases.
7. Musical instruments.
Copper is ideal in the production of musical instruments. Its malleability and cost-effectiveness make it an ideal material for the fabrication of keys, electric guitars and other accessories. It is also used in the fabrication of bar bells and other commercial goods as well.
8. Gutter.
Copper gutter lasts long and is ideal for building roofs. Its durability and high thermal and electrical conductivity makes it an ideal material for building roofs and the production of other commercial goods.
Copper is ideal for the fabrication of gutters to protect buildings from water damage. It’s durability and conductivity make it ideal in this field as it can withstand wear and tear.
9. Tools.
Copper is used in tools such as pliers, screw drivers and wrenches. Its durability makes it an ideal material for the production of tools in that it can withstand rust and corrosion.
What Are The Most Used Copper Alloys?
Copper can be alloyed with different metals to produce a wide range of alloys. Some of the commonly used alloys are;
1. Bronze.
Bronze is a bronze alloy consisting primarily of copper and often tin, with the addition of other metals, such as zinc and cadmium. It is an alloy with a low melting range and fairly low ductility.
2. Brass.
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. It is malleable and easily formed when annealed, but becomes brittle as it cools. Brass can be worked either hot or cold.
3. Cupronickel.
Copper with a small amount of nickel, which gives it the combination of good ductility, resistance to corrosion and good oxidation resistance. It is relatively soft and is used for a wide variety of applications in the construction industry.
4. Sterling silver.
Mostly used in jewelry and silverware, sterling is produced by alloying a minimum of 92.5% (or 91%) silver and up to 7.5% copper with the remainder being zinc.
Superior or “pure” or “purity” sterling silver contains less than 0.925 fine silver per troy ounce and may contain nickel, copper, and other metals at certain purity levels. Pure sterling silver is given in a fineness designation of .925 after the Latin word for sterling, “sterling”.
