What Is TP1 Copper
TP1, UNS C12000, is a phosphorus-deoxidized copper containing trace phosphorus of 0.005 to 0.012 percent. The phosphorus acts as a deoxidizer during melting, removing oxygen from the molten copper and significantly improving welding performance compared with ordinary copper. TP1 is also called DLP, deoxidized low phosphorus, copper.
Key Features
TP1 has excellent deoxidation ability and significantly better welding performance than common copper. Its conductivity is at least 90 percent IACS and thermal conductivity at least 350 W per meter per Kelvin, suitable for high-performance electrical and thermal applications. It offers excellent resistance to high-temperature oxidation and steam corrosion, suitable for chemical pipelines, condensers, and humid or high-temperature environments. The material has excellent cold working properties and can be made into thin-walled tubes or complex shapes, with hot working requiring temperature control and annealing at 500 to 700 degrees C to avoid grain coarsening.
Hydrogen Embrittlement Resistance
The phosphorus content inhibits hydrogen penetration, reducing the risk of hydrogen embrittlement and enabling processing in reducing atmospheres. This makes TP1 suitable for brazed and welded assemblies where ordinary tough-pitch copper would crack.
Chemical Composition
Per GB/T 5231, TP1 has copper plus silver at least 99.90 percent, phosphorus 0.005 to 0.012 percent, lead 0.005 percent maximum, antimony 0.002 percent, bismuth 0.001 percent, iron 0.005 percent, sulfur 0.005 percent, and other impurities 0.05 percent maximum.
Physical and Mechanical Properties
TP1 has a density of 8.9 g per cubic centimeter, conductivity of 90 to 93 percent IACS, thermal conductivity of 350 W per meter per Kelvin, thermal expansion coefficient of 17.7 times 10 to the minus 6 per Kelvin, elastic modulus of 132 GPa, and melting point of 1083 degrees C. In the hard condition the tensile strength is at least 275 MPa with elongation of 5 percent and hardness 80 to 110 HV. In the annealed condition the tensile strength is at least 200 MPa with elongation of 40 percent and hardness 50 to 70 HV.
Product Forms and Applications
TP1 is supplied as tube with outer diameters from 5 to 219 mm, bar from 10 to 150 mm, plate and strip from 0.3 to 10 mm, and wire from 0.5 to 20 mm. Applications include refrigeration industry air conditioning condenser tubes and refrigerator evaporators, chemical equipment corrosion-resistant pipelines and reactor linings, electrical and electronic cable conductors and heat sink substrates, and architectural decoration including sculptures and weather-resistant roofing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between TP1 and TP2?
A: TP1 has lower phosphorus, 0.005 to 0.012 percent, with higher conductivity.
Q: Is TP1 suitable for drinking water pipes?
A: Yes, when it complies with water quality standards and migration testing.
Q: How should TP1 be annealed after cold working?
A: Anneal at 500 to 600 degrees C to restore ductility.
Q: What is the conductivity of TP1?
A: 90 to 93 percent IACS.
Q: Can TP1 be welded?
A: Yes, phosphorus deoxidation supports flame and induction welding.
Q: What is the melting point?
A: 1083 degrees C.
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