Copper-nickel alloys for marine applications

Abstract

Copper alloys have been used for many centuries for their ease of fabrication, and corrosion resistance. In marine applications, copper and some copper alloys also have the property of possessing a high resistance to the attachment and growth of marine organisms that foul most other materials exposed to the ocean. The addition of nickel to copper increases its strength and corrosion resistance and allows higher flow velocities. Alloys with up to 10% nickel also retain a high resistance to the attachment and growth of marine organisms; this resistance to fouling can also be useful with nickel contents of up to 30%. Copper-nickel is an ideal material for use when fouling is a consideration. The copper-nickel can be used in many ways. For hulls, it can be used as the primary construction material, as a clad product on other metals, as an adhesive-bonded foil, or as particles embedded in an organic matrix.