Copper: Essential for Innovation

Copper and its alloys have been used by human civilization for over six thousand years. The strength, durability, resistance to corrosion, aesthetic qualities and workability of copper contributed greatly to the development of early civilizations. More recently, copper’s intrinsic properties of high thermal conductivity, high electrical conductivity and antimicrobial efficacy have been essential to air conditioning systems, high-efficiency electrical motors, electronics connectors, high-speed/high-bandwidth data communications, and as surfaces that prevent marine biofouling in heat exchangers, sea water desalination plants and aquaculture cages.