What is C10100 Copper Alloy?
C10100 Copper Alloy, also known as Copper 101 or Oxygen-Free Electronic (OFE) Copper, is a high-purity copper alloy with a minimum copper content of 99.99%. It is characterized by extremely low oxygen levels, typically ≤0.0005%, which makes it ideal for sensitive applications where oxygen-induced embrittlement or contamination is a concern. This alloy offers exceptional electrical and thermal conductivity, making it particularly useful in industries like electronics, aerospace, semiconductor manufacturing, and vacuum technology. C10100 is also highly corrosion-resistant, ductile, and easily fabricated, though its machinability can be challenging due to its softness. Because of its purity, it is most commonly used in high-performance electrical components, heat exchangers, RF & microwave systems, and cryogenic applications.
Copper C10100 Properties
High Purity: ≥99.99% copper content and ≤0.0005% oxygen.
Excellent Conductivity: Up to 101% IACS electrical conductivity and high thermal conductivity.
Superior Corrosion Resistance: Due to its ultra-high purity.
Ductility: Easily formed and drawn into various shapes.
Applications: Ideal for high-frequency electronics, aerospace, cryogenics, and high-performance electrical components.
Machinability: Soft and challenging to machine, requiring special techniques.
What is C11000 Copper Alloy?
C11000 Copper Alloy, also known as Copper 110 or Electrolytic Tough Pitch (ETP) Copper, is a high-conductivity copper alloy with a minimum copper content of 99.90% and a small amount of oxygen (approximately 0.02–0.04%). This alloy is renowned for its excellent electrical conductivity, typically around 100% IACS, making it ideal for electrical wiring, busbars, motors, and other applications where efficient conductivity is crucial. Copper 110 also offers good thermal conductivity, formability, and corrosion resistance, but it is less suitable for environments where oxygen could cause issues, such as in vacuum or high-temperature applications. C11000 is widely used in general-purpose electrical applications due to its balance of performance and cost-effectiveness.
Copper C11000 Properties
High Purity: Contains at least 99.90% copper with a small amount of oxygen (approximately 0.02–0.04%) .
Excellent Electrical Conductivity: Around 100% IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard), making it ideal for electrical applications .
Good Thermal Conductivity: Approximately 390 W/m-K, suitable for heat transfer applications .
Mechanical Properties:
Tensile Strength: 220 to 410 MPa (32 to 60 ksi)
Yield Strength: 69 to 390 MPa (10 to 56 ksi)
Elongation at Break: 1.5 to 50%
Hardness: 37 to 94 Rockwell F .
Formability and Ductility: Highly ductile and easily formed into various shapes, making it suitable for both hot and cold working processes .
Corrosion Resistance: Exhibits good resistance to corrosion, making it reliable for long-term use in various environments .
Mechanical, Thermal & Electrical Properties of Copper 10100, 11000
1. Mechanical Properties
| Property | C10100 (C101) | C11000 (C110) |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 200–250 MPa (Annealed) | 210–250 MPa (Annealed) |
| Yield Strength | 33–69 MPa (Annealed) | 69 MPa (Annealed) |
| Elongation | ~45% | ~45% |
| Hardness (Brinell) | 50–60 HB | 45–55 HB |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 110 GPa | 110 GPa |
| Machinability | Poor to Fair | Fair |
2. Thermal Properties
| Property | C10100 (C101) | C11000 (C110) |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal Conductivity | 391–400 W/m·K at 20°C | 385–390 W/m·K at 20°C |
| Specific Heat Capacity | ~0.385 J/g·K | ~0.385 J/g·K |
| Melting Point | 1,083°C (1,981°F) | 1,083°C (1,981°F) |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | ~16.5 µm/m·°C | ~16.5 µm/m·°C |
3. Electrical Properties
| Property | C10100 (C101) | C11000 (C110) |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Conductivity | Up to 101% IACS | ~100% IACS |
| Resistivity | ~0.00000000175 ohm·m (at 20°C) | ~0.00000000178 ohm·m (at 20°C) |
| Voltage Rating | High | High |
| Current Carrying Capacity | Excellent for high current applications | Good for general electrical applications |
Copper C10100& C11000 Equivalent
Copper C10100 Equivalent
C10100 (Oxygen-Free Electronic Copper – OFE) is a high-purity copper grade containing a minimum of 99.99% copper with extremely low oxygen content (typically less than 5 ppm). It offers exceptional electrical and thermal conductivity (approximately 101% IACS) and is ideal for critical applications requiring high reliability in vacuum, cryogenic, and electronic systems. C10100 is equivalent to CW009A (EN/DIN), C101 (BS), C1020 (JIS), and Cu-OF (ISO), and complies with several ASTM standards such as B170 and B152. Its purity and conductivity make it the preferred choice for high-end electrical and electronic components.
Copper C11000 Equivalent
C11000 (Electrolytic Tough Pitch Copper – ETP) is the most widely used commercial copper, featuring a copper content of 99.90% with a small amount of oxygen (~0.02–0.04%). It delivers excellent electrical conductivity (~100% IACS) and is widely used for wiring, busbars, motors, plumbing, and architectural elements. C11000 is the equivalent of CW004A (EN), C1100 (JIS), and Cu-ETP (ISO). In British Standards, C101 may also refer to this grade depending on context, although it more commonly aligns with oxygen-free variants. Its balance of performance, workability, and cost makes it ideal for general electrical applications.
Copper C10100 & C11000 Material Properties
Copper C10100 Properties
UNS Designation: C10100
Purity: 99.99% Cu (minimum)
Oxygen Content: < 0.0005%
Electrical Conductivity: ~101% IACS
Thermal Conductivity: ~391 W/m·K
Tensile Strength: ~220–360 MPa (annealed to hard drawn)
Yield Strength: ~60–290 MPa
Elongation: ~30–3%
Hardness (HV): ~40–110
Density: 8.94 g/cm³
Applications: High-vacuum devices, superconductors, semiconductors, radio frequency applications
Copper C11000 Properties
UNS Designation: C11000
Purity: 99.90% Cu (minimum)
Oxygen Content: ~0.02–0.04%
Electrical Conductivity: ~100% IACS
Thermal Conductivity: ~390 W/m·K
Tensile Strength: ~210–360 MPa
Yield Strength: ~60–300 MPa
Elongation: ~30–5%
Hardness (HV): ~45–110
Density: 8.94 g/cm³
Applications: Electrical wiring, power distribution, busbars, plumbing, roofing
Compositions of C10100 & C11000 Copper
1. C10100 (C101) Copper Composition:
Copper (Cu): 99.99% (min)
Oxygen (O): 0.0005% (max)
Other elements: Trace amounts of impurities (e.g., Fe, Pb, Zn, Ag, etc.), typically <0.001% each.
C10100 (C101) is essentially oxygen-free copper with an ultra-high purity. The oxygen content is extremely low, making it suitable for applications where electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance are critical.
2. C11000 (C110) Copper Composition:
Copper (Cu): 99.90% (min)
Oxygen (O): 0.02–0.04%
Other elements: Trace impurities (e.g., Fe, Pb, Zn, Ag, etc.), typically <0.05% each.
C11000 (C110) contains a small amount of oxygen (around 0.02–0.04%), which is added during the manufacturing process. This is what distinguishes C11000 from the oxygen-free copper alloys like C10100. The presence of oxygen enhances certain properties, like workability and cost, but may also reduce its performance in certain sensitive applications.
Copper C10100 vs C11000, Which is Better?
Copper C10100 (C101) – Oxygen-Free Electronic Copper:
Purity: ≥99.99% copper, with extremely low oxygen content (≤0.0005%), making it ideal for sensitive applications.
Electrical Conductivity: Slightly better than C11000, up to 101% IACS, making it highly effective in high-performance electronic and vacuum environments.
Applications: Primarily used in aerospace, semiconductor manufacturing, high-frequency systems, and cryogenic systems where purity and conductivity are critical.
Advantages: Superior in environments where oxygen could cause embrittlement, such as vacuum tubes and electronics.
Disadvantages: Higher cost and poor machinability, making it less suitable for large-scale, cost-sensitive projects.
Copper C11000 (C110) – Electrolytic Tough Pitch Copper:
Purity: ~99.90% copper, with small amounts of oxygen (~0.02–0.04%).
Electrical Conductivity: Around 100% IACS, slightly lower than C101, but still excellent for most general electrical applications.
Applications: Widely used in electrical wiring, busbars, motors, plumbing, and industrial applications where cost-effectiveness is important but high purity is not as critical.
Advantages: More affordable and widely available, making it a popular choice for general-purpose electrical applications.
Disadvantages: The oxygen content may limit its use in certain environments, such as vacuum systems or areas where high purity is essential.
The Differences Between C10100 & C11000 Copper
| Property | C10100 (C101) | C11000 (C110) |
|---|---|---|
| UNS Designation | C10100 | C11000 |
| Purity | ≥99.99% Copper | ~99.90% Copper |
| Oxygen Content | ≤0.0005% (Oxygen-free) | ~0.02–0.04% |
| Electrical Conductivity | Up to 101% IACS | ~100% IACS |
| Thermal Conductivity | 391–400 W/m·K | 385–390 W/m·K |
| Applications | Electronics, aerospace, cryogenics, high-frequency systems, vacuum tubes, semiconductors | Electrical wiring, busbars, motors, plumbing, general electrical applications |
| Machinability | Poor to fair | Fair |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Good |
| Weldability | Not recommended (can lose oxygen-free quality) | Good |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Primary Advantage | Superior conductivity and purity for sensitive applications | Cost-effective with good conductivity for general-purpose use |
about us
GNEE is a leading manufacturer and global supplier of high-quality, precision-engineered copper products. We specialize in providing a comprehensive range of copper solutions tailored to meet the rigorous demands of various industries worldwide, including HVAC/R, automotive, construction, electrical engineering, and industrial machinery.
Our Extensive Product Portfolio:
Copper Tubes & Pipes:
We supply a full spectrum of copper tubes, including Round Pipes, Square Pipes, Welded Pipes, Seamless Pipes, Heat Exchanger Tubes, and Condenser Tubes, designed for superior thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance.
Copper Sheets & Plates:
Our flat-rolled products range from delicate Copper Foils and Thin Sheets to heavy-duty Plates and Circles (Round Plates), ideal for fabrication, roofing, and electrical applications.
Copper Bars & Rods:
We offer Copper Bars in various profiles such as Round Bars, Square Bars, and Hexagonal Bars, providing excellent machinability and strength for precision parts.
Copper Wires & Strips:
Our product line also includes high-conductivity Copper Wires and finely manufactured Copper Strips, essential for electrical components and connectors.
All our products are manufactured to international quality standards, with a strong focus on common American grades and ASTM specifications to ensure global compatibility and performance. Our key materials include:
C11000 (Electrolytic Tough Pitch - ETP Copper)
C10200 (Oxygen-Free Copper - OFC)
C12200 (Phosphorus Deoxidized Copper, DHP)
C10100 (Oxygen-Free Electronic Copper - OFE)
C26000 (Cartridge Brass, 70/30)
C27200 (Brass, 65/35)
C44300, C68700 (Admiralty Brass)
C70600 (Copper Nickel, 90/10)
C71500 (Copper Nickel, 70/30)
These materials conform to critical standards such as ASTM B111 (Copper and Copper-Alloy Seamless Condenser Tubes and Ferrule Stock), ASTM B68 (Seamless Copper Tube), ASTM B75 (Seamless Copper Tube), ASTM B88 (Seamless Copper Water Tube), ASTM B152 (Copper Sheet, Plate, Strip, and Rolled Bar), ASTM B187 (Copper Bus Bar, Rod, and Shapes), and ASTM B601 (Temper Designations for Copper and Copper Alloys).
