Structural and properties evolution of copper–nickel (Cu–Ni) alloys: a review of the effects of alloying materials

Abstract

Copper–nickel alloy has the potential in sustaining the recent demands in advanced marine engineering applications. It has been found advantageous over other copper alloys due to the unique properties and corrosion resistance they possess. However, the structure of Cu–Ni alloy alone is not sufficient to withstand many applications, as the structure cannot perform efficiently in an aggressive environment. The performance of this alloy inherently depends on carefully select alloying compositions, as the alloying elements are associated with the precipitation of intermetallic particles that will enhance mechanical properties and corrosion resistance when designing the component of Cu–Ni alloys. A combination of alloying elements has been conceptualized in the designing of copper–nickel alloy. This review described the role of alloying elements in modifying the microstructural features through phase transformation and how it affects the improvement of the mechanical and physical properties of Cu–Ni based alloys. The effect of alloying elements on the structure and properties of Cu–Ni alloys have been critically summarized based on surveying the works done by authors on this category of structural modification binary Cu–Ni alloy.

GRAIN SIZE EVOLUTION, MECHANICAL AND CORROSION BEHAVIOUR OF PRECIPITATE STRENGTHENED Cu-Ni ALLOY

“…Cu-Ni alloy has played an inimitable part in marine engineering and is, therefore, consists of two major types of alloy systems that have been utilized for many decades for heat condensers, tube applications, water supply lines, and desalination equipment. In seawater systems, Cu-30Ni and Cu-10Ni alloy systems have been widely used as piping material [7] [8]. The two alloys are commonly used due to their low magnetic permeability and maximum resilient flow rate following their high strength, and remarkable resistance to seawater corrosion and biofouling [8] [9].…”

“…In seawater systems, Cu-30Ni and Cu-10Ni alloy systems have been widely used as piping material [7] [8]. The two alloys are commonly used due to their low magnetic permeability and maximum resilient flow rate following their high strength, and remarkable resistance to seawater corrosion and biofouling [8] [9]. However, in the wider commercial application of the alloy, Cu-10Ni alloy is mostly used because of the less nickel content that aggregates lower material cost [7].…”

“…Copper inherently obviates its components from colonization with marine organisms such as mussels, algae, and lichens barnacles, which directly affect the performance when used for industrial applications. For applications where this effect is undesirable, copper alloys are preferred to non-copper alloys such as stainless steel [8] [10]. According to Wihelm [10], alloying materials, concentration, and heat treatment parameters such as temperature, time, and rate of cooling all influence the structure of an alloy.…”

“…These factors ascertained the worker ability of grains in the structure. The grain size controls the mechanical behaviour of Cu-Ni based alloys [8][9] [11]. The precipitation hardening process has been proven to be effective in improving the mechanical properties of Cu-Ni alloys by modifying the structure [12].…”

TITANIUM ADDITION AND AGEING INFLUENCE ON THE MICROSTRUCTURE AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF Cu-10Ni ALLOY

“…Copper and its alloys have great corrosion resistance as well as flexibility for shaping and finishing. Its ductility is due to its face-cantered cubic (FCC) structure, which is non-magnetic and has a high heat conductivity [1,2]. The use of purer copper in these cases is often restricted as a result of its low strength [3].…”