What are copper nickels?

Copper-nickel alloys (also known as cupronickels) provide the most acceptable high-strength option for a copper alloy. This is because the addition of nickel to pure copper increases the strength and corrosive resistance of the copper while retaining copper’s ability to be ductile  when exposed to heat and pressure — making it an excellent material choice for  pipe systems. 

However, strength is not their only characteristic. Copper nickels also offer an excellent option for those wishing to pursue water resistance. For example, if  you’re looking at power generation under water or anything to do with commercial shipping, copper nickels are the ideal material. 

Furthermore, Copper nickels retain the favourable non-galling, non-fouling properties of copper, but with several times greater yield strength. 

Other common uses for copper nickels include: 

• Hulls for boats
• Desalination plants (including brine heaters, heat rejection)
• Offshore Oil and Gas Platforms and Processors

Interestingly, despite the presence of copper, copper nickels are uniformingly silver in colour due to the nickel component’s high electronegativity. 

Hiduron 130 (DTD 498/500, 2.1504) is Langley Alloys highest-strength copper-nickel, and is widely used for sub-sea connectors, valve components, fasteners and stab plates.

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