C10100 is as close to being pure copper as is commercially possible. It is made by excluding oxygen during manufacture, which is why it’s often referred to as oxygen-free copper. The absence of oxygen results in excellent electrical conductivity. This characteristic is why C10100 copper is commonly used in AC-to-DC converters and in EV charging systems.
Other useful properties of this alloy include its high thermal conductivity, high ductility, and good corrosion resistance.
C10100 is naturally soft and ductile but hardens through cold working. Annealing lowers hardness after operations like rolling and drawing. Hardness specifications range from H00, H01 through H02, H04, and H06 to H08.
C10100 solders and brazes readily, and can be welded using gas-shielded arc. Spot/resistance welding is not recommended. It is difficult to machine because of its ductile nature and pronounced tendency to form a built-up edge on cutting tools.
C10100 copper rod, sheet, and plate are available in a wide range of sizes complying with ASTM B187 and ASTM B152.
| Property | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Material Type | Oxygen-free copper, pure copper | UNS C10100 |
| Copper Content | 99.99% | |
| Density | 8.94 g/cm3 | 0.323 lb/in3 |
| Melting Point | ~ 1,083 °C | ~ 1,981 °F |
| Hardness (Brinell) | ~ 45-85 | From annealed to hardened |
| Tensile Strength | ~ 220-393 MPa | ~ 32,000-57,000 psi |
| Yield Strength | ~ 68.9-365.4 MPa | ~ 10,000-53,000 psi |
| Elongation at Break | ~ 4-55 % | Depends on temper |
| Modulus of Elasticity | ~ 117.2 GPa | ~ 17 x 106 psi |
| Electrical Conductivity | 101 % IACS | |
| Thermal conductivity | ~ 391 W/mK | ~ 226 BTU·in/(hr·ft²·°F) |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent in atmosphere and to water | Is attacked by acids and seawater |
| Magnetism | No | |
| Heat Treatment | Hardened through cold working, anneal to soften | Available in hardened grades H to H08 |
| Machinability | Difficult due to high ductility | Creates stringy chips and causes built-up edge on tooling |
| Weldability | Solders and brazes well, GSAW possible. | Not suitable for resistance welding |
| DFARS Compliance | No | Not qualified as a specialty steel under DFARS |
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