Wire and Cable Conductors - The Difference Between Oxygen-Free Copper, Low-Oxygen Copper, and Electrolytic Copper(2)

3. Performance Characteristics (I) Electrical Conductivity: Oxygen-free copper has the best electrical conductivity, followed by low-oxygen copper, and electrolytic copper is slightly inferior. This is because the presence of oxygen and other impurities increases electron scattering, leading to increased resistance.
(II) Mechanical Properties: Oxygen-free copper has good ductility and toughness, and a soft texture. The mechanical properties of low-oxygen copper are similar to those of oxygen-free copper, but slightly inferior. The mechanical properties of electrolytic copper vary depending on the type and content of impurities. Generally speaking, higher impurity content may increase its strength, but reduce its toughness and ductility.
(III) Corrosion Resistance: Oxygen-free copper and low-oxygen copper have better corrosion resistance because their low oxygen content makes oxidation less likely. However, the presence of certain impurities in electrolytic copper may affect its corrosion resistance under certain conditions.

4. Application Areas: Oxygen-free copper: Commonly used in applications requiring extremely high conductivity and purity, such as high-end electronics, aerospace, and precision instruments. It is also used in the manufacture of specialized wires and cables, such as audio cables and radio frequency cables.
Low-oxygen copper: Widely used in the wire and cable industry, it is a common material for manufacturing conventional power cables and communication cables. It is also used in some electrical equipment with certain requirements for conductivity and mechanical properties. Electrolytic copper: One of the most common copper materials, it is widely used in the construction, power, electronics, and machinery manufacturing industries, such as in the manufacture of wires, cables, busbars, and transformer windings. It can also be used as a raw material for other copper alloys.