Copper nickel alloys are often known as cuprous-nickel and there exists a range of them that possess different kinds of properties. Due to their different properties they are suited to a wide range of applications as well. Some of the best known copper alloys with nickel include:

• Copper with 30% nickel
• Copper with 10% nickel
• Copper with 25% nickel and 0.05-0.4% manganese
• Copper with 45% nickel (this is also known as constantan)

The copper nickel alloys are made up of only one phase of copper, as copper displays complete solid solubility.

Key Properties of nickel copper alloys:

The different properties of nickel copper varies with the composition of the alloys vary with composition, however, some properties of copper nickel alloys are outlined below.

• Copper-Nickel wire consists of either copper nickel in the ratio of 90:10 or 70:30.
• These alloys are resistant to corrosion.
• Nickel copper wires are ductile in nature.
• These can be hardened by cold working
• Nickel copper wires exhibit very good strength.
• These have a low temperature co-efficient of electrical resistance.
• It is mostly the nickel content that enables these wires to retain their strength at high temperatures, as compared to alloys without nickel.

Some Applications of Copper Nickel Alloys

Sea Desalination Plants and Water Condenser Systems:

Since copper nickel alloys offer very good resistance, these are employed in desalination plants and sea water condenser system. These are also used for pipe works in chemical plants.

Automotive Applications:

Since copper nickel alloys give extra safety, they are being widely employed in hydraulic and brake suspension systems. These alloys also find usage in cooling systems in commercial vehicles and copper.

Marine Applications:

The good resistance to sea water corrosion has lead to its applications in the marine sector such as cladding of ships’ hulls, sea water intake screens and legs of oil rig platforms.
Coins

Copper nickel alloys are generally used in the manufacture of medals, coins and semi valuable goods.

Resistance Wire:

Since copper nickel alloys have a low temperature co-efficient of electrical resistivity, they also find use in making high precision resistors. The resistors are able to operate at almost the same resistance irrespective of the temperature.

Thermocouples:

The copper nickel alloys are also used to make thermocouples as the alloy develops a uniform and high EMF when it is coupled with other metals like iron and copper.

Other Applications:

Copper nickel alloys find applications in varied utilities as well like for the manufacturing of ammunition, cooling circuits, condenser tubes and water resistant assemblies.

Benefits of Nickel Copper Wire:

Nickel copper wires offer a lot of advantages in the manufacturing and electrical industry. These wires covered with nickel plating offer high resistance to corrosion and provide excellent electrical and thermal conductivity as well. Besides these wonderful properties, nickel copper wires have several mechanical properties as well. Widely used in high frequency applications, the nickel copper wires can reduce losses in the frequency which results in better performance too.