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May 20, 2025

Copper Alloy Guide

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Materials
Published Date: May 20, 2025
Last Modified Date: May 19, 2025
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Here’s a detailed technical comparison of T2 (C1100), C1020, and C101 copper materials:

Fundamental Classification

GradeCommon NamesStandardPurity (%)Type
T2 (C1100)Electrolytic Tough Pitch (ETP) CopperASTM B152, GB/T 5231≥99.90Pure Copper
C1020Oxygen-Free Copper (OFC)ASTM B152, JIS H3100≥99.96Oxygen-Free
C101Oxygen-Free Electronic (OFE) CopperASTM F68, CDA 101≥99.99Ultra-High Purity

Chemical Composition (wt.%)

ElementT2 (C1100)C1020C101
Cu+Ag≥99.90≥99.96≥99.99
O0.02-0.06≤0.001≤0.0005
Others*≤0.04≤0.03≤0.005

*Includes S, P, Fe, Pb, etc.

Mechanical Properties

PropertyT2 (C1100)C1020C101
Tensile Strength (MPa)210-340200-330195-310
Yield Strength (MPa)70-30060-28050-260
Elongation (%)10-4515-5020-55
Hardness (HV)45-11040-10035-90
Conductivity (%IACS)100-101101-102102-103

Physical Properties

PropertyT2 (C1100)C1020C101
Density (g/cm³)8.89-8.948.92-8.948.92-8.94
Melting Point (°C)108310831083
Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K)391398402
CTE (10⁻⁶/K)17.016.916.8

Key Characteristics

T2 (C1100):

  • Contains 200-600 ppm oxygen
  • Susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement (“hydrogen disease”) at >200°C
  • Excellent electrical/thermal conductivity
  • Standard for electrical wiring (IEC 60228 Class 2)

C1020:

  • Oxygen content <10 ppm
  • Better ductility than T2
  • Preferred for vacuum applications
  • Used in cryogenic equipment

C101:

  • Ultra-low impurities (O <5 ppm)
  • Highest conductivity among coppers
  • Essential for semiconductor lead frames
  • Superior workability in thin gauges

Processing Performance

ProcessT2 (C1100)C1020C101
Cold WorkingGoodExcellentSuperior
Hot Working800-900°C800-900°C800-900°C
Annealing400-700°C350-650°C300-600°C
WeldingRequires deoxidizersEasierBest

Typical Applications

T2 (C1100):

  • Electrical cables/busbars
  • Plumbing tubes
  • Roofing materials

C1020:

  • High-vacuum components
  • Superconducting magnet windings
  • Glass-to-metal seals

C101:

  • Semiconductor interconnects
  • Particle accelerator components
  • High-frequency RF conductors

Selection Guidelines

  • For cost-sensitive electrical applications: T2 (C1100)
  • For high-reliability vacuum systems: C1020
  • For ultra-pure electronic applications: C101

Note: C101 costs ~3-5× more than T2 due to stringent purity requirements. All grades are non-magnetic and resistant to atmospheric corrosion.

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