Structural and properties evolution of copper–nickel (Cu–Ni) alloys: a review of the effects of alloying materials

Abstract

Copper–nickel alloy has the potential in sustaining the recent demands in advanced marine engineering applications. It has been found advantageous over other copper alloys due to the unique properties and corrosion resistance they possess. However, the structure of Cu–Ni alloy alone is not sufficient to withstand many applications, as the structure cannot perform efficiently in an aggressive environment. The performance of this alloy inherently depends on carefully select alloying compositions, as the alloying elements are associated with the precipitation of intermetallic particles that will enhance mechanical properties and corrosion resistance when designing the component of Cu–Ni alloys. A combination of alloying elements has been conceptualized in the designing of copper–nickel alloy. This review described the role of alloying elements in modifying the microstructural features through phase transformation and how it affects the improvement of the mechanical and physical properties of Cu–Ni based alloys. The effect of alloying elements on the structure and properties of Cu–Ni alloys have been critically summarized based on surveying the works done by authors on this category of structural modification binary Cu–Ni alloy.