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Niobium-Copper (NbCu) alloy wire is a composite material made from niobium (Nb) and copper (Cu), offering unique properties that combine the excellent electrical conductivity of copper with the high strength, corrosion resistance, and thermal stability of niobium. This alloy is highly valued for its performance in high-temperature, high-stress, and extreme environmental conditions. The NbCu wire is commonly used in applications where electrical conductivity and mechanical strength need to be balanced, such as in aerospace, high-energy physics, and certain industrial applications.
Niobium is a refractory metal that, when combined with copper, enhances the overall mechanical properties of the wire without significantly compromising its electrical performance. The resulting wire exhibits superior resistance to wear, corrosion, and high-temperature fatigue.
Niobium-Copper wire combines the mechanical strength and toughness of niobium with the ductility and conductivity of copper. This makes it ideal for high-performance applications requiring both strength and flexibility.
Copper provides excellent electrical conductivity, making NbCu wire suitable for electrical and electronic applications, including those requiring efficient current flow.
Niobium’s excellent thermal properties enhance the wire's ability to perform at elevated temperatures, making it ideal for high-temperature applications such as aerospace and high-energy physics.
Niobium’s resistance to oxidation and corrosion improves the durability of the wire in harsh environmental conditions, including exposure to acids and high-temperature gases.
Niobium has a low thermal expansion coefficient, which makes NbCu wire stable under temperature changes and reduces the risk of thermal stress and failure.
NbCu alloy wire exhibits good resistance to radiation, which is critical in certain specialized applications, such as particle accelerators or space-based systems.
Used in aircraft and spacecraft components where high strength and conductivity are necessary, particularly in systems exposed to extreme temperatures and environmental conditions.
Utilized in particle accelerators, superconducting magnets, and other high-energy applications, where high current density and thermal stability are required.
Employed in specialized electrical contacts, connectors, and wiring for high-performance electrical systems, such as those used in medical devices or high-frequency electronics.
Suitable for power transmission applications, particularly in environments where corrosion resistance and high conductivity are essential.
Used in high-performance automotive wiring, especially for electric and hybrid vehicle systems, where both strength and conductivity are needed.
Given its radiation resistance and high strength, NbCu alloy wire is ideal for use in nuclear reactors and other radiation-intensive environments.
Used in military electronics and wiring, where resistance to extreme conditions and durability are paramount.
Property | Value/Description |
Material Composition | - Niobium (Nb) & Copper (Cu) alloy, typically 80-90% Copper, 10-20% Niobium |
Electrical Resistivity | ~ 1.7 µΩ·cm (slightly higher than pure copper due to the addition of niobium) |
Tensile Strength | 600-800 MPa (varies depending on alloy composition and manufacturing process) |
Niobium Content | Typically 10-20% Niobium by weight |
Operating Temperature Range | -200°C to +500°C (resistant to high temperatures and thermal cycling) |
Thermal Conductivity | ~ 300 W/m·K (similar to copper but lower due to niobium content) |
Thermal Coefficient of Expansion | 7.5 × 10^-6 /°C (lower than copper, which is ideal for temperature-sensitive applications) |
Density | 8.5 g/cm³ (due to the high density of niobium compared to copper) |
Melting Point | Niobium: 2,477°C, Copper: 1,984°C (fusion point of the alloy will be lower than niobium alone) |
Radiation Resistance | High resistance to damage from radiation (important for space, medical, or nuclear applications) |
Size Type | Range/Options |
Wire Gauge (AWG) | From 14 AWG to 36 AWG (typical range) |
Diameter Range (mm) | From 0.1 mm to several millimeters (depending on the specific application) |
Custom Sizes | Available in custom diameters and tensile strengths based on customer requirements |
Stranding Options | Available in solid, stranded, and multi-stranded configurations (e.g., braided, twisted) |
Niobium Content | Custom ratios of Niobium to Copper (10%-20% Niobium, with Copper balance) |
Nickel Plating | Nickel or other metal plating available for enhanced corrosion resistance (optional) |
Custom Length | Available in coils or cut to specific lengths (from meters to kilometers) |
Tensile Strength Customization | Available based on specific requirements, typically between 600-800 MPa |
Niobium-Copper (NbCu) alloy wire is a composite material made from niobium (Nb) and copper (Cu), offering unique properties that combine the excellent electrical conductivity of copper with the high strength, corrosion resistance, and thermal stability of niobium. This alloy is highly valued for its performance in high-temperature, high-stress, and extreme environmental conditions. The NbCu wire is commonly used in applications where electrical conductivity and mechanical strength need to be balanced, such as in aerospace, high-energy physics, and certain industrial applications.
Niobium is a refractory metal that, when combined with copper, enhances the overall mechanical properties of the wire without significantly compromising its electrical performance. The resulting wire exhibits superior resistance to wear, corrosion, and high-temperature fatigue.
Niobium-Copper wire combines the mechanical strength and toughness of niobium with the ductility and conductivity of copper. This makes it ideal for high-performance applications requiring both strength and flexibility.
Copper provides excellent electrical conductivity, making NbCu wire suitable for electrical and electronic applications, including those requiring efficient current flow.
Niobium’s excellent thermal properties enhance the wire's ability to perform at elevated temperatures, making it ideal for high-temperature applications such as aerospace and high-energy physics.
Niobium’s resistance to oxidation and corrosion improves the durability of the wire in harsh environmental conditions, including exposure to acids and high-temperature gases.
Niobium has a low thermal expansion coefficient, which makes NbCu wire stable under temperature changes and reduces the risk of thermal stress and failure.
NbCu alloy wire exhibits good resistance to radiation, which is critical in certain specialized applications, such as particle accelerators or space-based systems.
Used in aircraft and spacecraft components where high strength and conductivity are necessary, particularly in systems exposed to extreme temperatures and environmental conditions.
Utilized in particle accelerators, superconducting magnets, and other high-energy applications, where high current density and thermal stability are required.
Employed in specialized electrical contacts, connectors, and wiring for high-performance electrical systems, such as those used in medical devices or high-frequency electronics.
Suitable for power transmission applications, particularly in environments where corrosion resistance and high conductivity are essential.
Used in high-performance automotive wiring, especially for electric and hybrid vehicle systems, where both strength and conductivity are needed.
Given its radiation resistance and high strength, NbCu alloy wire is ideal for use in nuclear reactors and other radiation-intensive environments.
Used in military electronics and wiring, where resistance to extreme conditions and durability are paramount.
Property | Value/Description |
Material Composition | - Niobium (Nb) & Copper (Cu) alloy, typically 80-90% Copper, 10-20% Niobium |
Electrical Resistivity | ~ 1.7 µΩ·cm (slightly higher than pure copper due to the addition of niobium) |
Tensile Strength | 600-800 MPa (varies depending on alloy composition and manufacturing process) |
Niobium Content | Typically 10-20% Niobium by weight |
Operating Temperature Range | -200°C to +500°C (resistant to high temperatures and thermal cycling) |
Thermal Conductivity | ~ 300 W/m·K (similar to copper but lower due to niobium content) |
Thermal Coefficient of Expansion | 7.5 × 10^-6 /°C (lower than copper, which is ideal for temperature-sensitive applications) |
Density | 8.5 g/cm³ (due to the high density of niobium compared to copper) |
Melting Point | Niobium: 2,477°C, Copper: 1,984°C (fusion point of the alloy will be lower than niobium alone) |
Radiation Resistance | High resistance to damage from radiation (important for space, medical, or nuclear applications) |
Size Type | Range/Options |
Wire Gauge (AWG) | From 14 AWG to 36 AWG (typical range) |
Diameter Range (mm) | From 0.1 mm to several millimeters (depending on the specific application) |
Custom Sizes | Available in custom diameters and tensile strengths based on customer requirements |
Stranding Options | Available in solid, stranded, and multi-stranded configurations (e.g., braided, twisted) |
Niobium Content | Custom ratios of Niobium to Copper (10%-20% Niobium, with Copper balance) |
Nickel Plating | Nickel or other metal plating available for enhanced corrosion resistance (optional) |
Custom Length | Available in coils or cut to specific lengths (from meters to kilometers) |
Tensile Strength Customization | Available based on specific requirements, typically between 600-800 MPa |
