What Is Phosphor Deoxidized Copper?
Phosphor deoxidized copper is a high-purity copper (99.9% Cu) with a small addition of phosphorus (0.015% to 0.040%). It differs from tough-pitch copper and oxygen-free copper due to this phosphorus content, which acts as a deoxidizer during its production.
The production process involves three stages: obtaining electrolytic copper from crude copper through electrolytic refining, an oxidation process to remove impurities and the addition of phosphorus.
Uses of Phosphor Deoxidized Copper
Known for its high thermal conductivity, phosphor deoxidized copper also boasts excellent drawability, weldability, and corrosion resistance, making it versatile in various applications. It is commonly used in the chemical industry, water heaters, air conditioning piping, construction materials, electric refrigerators, and as welding rods in copper welding.
Characteristics of Phosphor Deoxidized Copper
The key characteristic of phosphor deoxidized copper is its phosphorus content, which removes oxygen from the copper, preventing the formation of water vapor at high temperatures. However, this residual phosphorus also reduces its electrical conductivity to about 85% of that of tough-pitch copper. Therefore, it’s crucial to select applications that align with the specific characteristics of phosphor deoxidized copper.