One of the oldest metals known to mankind is copper – and despite the fact that we have been using it since the bronze age, and that since then many new metals and alloys have been discovered, copper is still an integral part of our lives. Humans have long used copper for all sorts of things, from jewellery to tools.
Copper has many properties that make it stand out from the other metals, and its versatility means that from copper pipe like this for our heating and plumbing https://watkinspowis.co.uk/products/copper-pipe-fittings-and-press-systems/ to parts of our electronic devices, copper is still in high demand.
Another amazing quality that copper has, that is not as well known, is its ability to protect valuable and delicate items from damage and corrosion. This was something that came about over ten years ago. Using a plastic film that contained copper ions meant that anything that could potentially cause damage to an object, when treated with this film was unable to. It was designed by a company called Lucent Technologies, and it made keeping items in good condition so much easier.
High end products such as Rolls Royce, jumped at the chance to use this technology in their car engines. In areas of the world where it is particularly humid this has the most value, and even the US army have used it for their own machinery and equipment. It is particularly useful in engines, as it reduces the need for oils that coat the engines. In packaging as well, this technology could be a hugely beneficial addition when it comes to transport and storage of all sorts of items.
When it comes to transporting and storing items this is another fantastic use for this modern technology. Many of the special properties that copper has, such as being antimicrobial and corrosion resistant means that items coated with this can be transported and stored for long periods of time yet will come out as good as new.
With this in mind, the green credentials of copper are also apparent – what else can be created from this more renewable resource, which cuts down on the need for oils and other environmentally damaging products?
