nickelcopper

Nickelcopper, or nickel–copper, refers to the binary alloy system formed by nickel and copper in varying proportions. The two elements are highly soluble in each other, creating a continuous range of Ni–Cu alloys that share many mechanical and physical characteristics.

In terms of structure, nickel and copper both crystallize in a face-centered cubic lattice, and their Ni–Cu alloys are typically an FCC solid solution across the full composition range. The lattice parameter changes gradually with composition, and the alloys exhibit good ductility and formability. The phase behavior is simple compared with many other alloy systems because there is essentially complete solid solubility.

The properties of nickel–copper alloys depend smoothly on composition. They generally offer good ductility, respectable strength, and strong resistance to corrosion, with electrical conductivity closer to copper than to nickel. Magnetic behavior varies with nickel content: copper-rich alloys tend to be non-magnetic or only weakly magnetic, while nickel-rich compositions can approach the ferromagnetism of pure nickel.

Common Ni–Cu alloys include cupronickel and Monel. Cupronickel, typically around 70/30 or 75/25 copper to nickel, is widely used in coins and marine environments due to its corrosion resistance and durability. Monel alloys, around 60–70% nickel with substantial copper, are known for excellent corrosion resistance in harsh media and good mechanical strength. These alloys are valued for stability under thermal cycling and wide range of service conditions.

Nickelcopper alloys are used in electrical, chemical, and marine applications, illustrating how a single alloy system can combine the favorable properties of both copper and nickel.