Copper granules are small, irregularly shaped particles made of pure copper or copper alloys. They are characterized by their granular, sand-like texture, which is distinctly different from spherical copper powder or solid forms such as rods and sheets. Copper granules vary greatly in size, typically ranging from fine particles of 0.1 mm to coarse particles of several millimeters.

They differ from copper pellets (which are more spherical in shape) and copper shavings (long, thin strips of copper).

Production methods:

Copper granules can be produced through various industrial processes: 

Atomization: The most common method; 

molten copper is atomized into tiny droplets under high-pressure water jets or gases (such as nitrogen). The droplets solidify during flight or in a cooling chamber, forming granules. Water atomization produces more irregularly shaped particles, while gas atomization produces particles closer to spherical shapes; 

Crushing and grinding: Solid copper blocks or shavings are mechanically crushed, ground, and sieved until the desired particle size is achieved; 

Recycling (cable granulation): One of the main sources of copper. Waste copper cables are shredded and then separated from the plastic insulation layer through air separation or electrostatic processes, yielding reusable, high-purity copper granules.

Key Characteristics: 

High electrical conductivity: Second only to silver among pure metals; 

High thermal conductivity: Ideal for heat transfer applications; 

Ductility and malleability: Deformable without breaking; 

Corrosion resistance: Resistant to corrosion in various environments and forms a protective patina (copper rust) over time; 

Antibacterial properties: Copper surfaces naturally possess antibacterial and antiviral properties; 

Non-magnetic: Suitable for applications requiring protection from magnetic interference.

Common Applications and Uses: 

Copper granules have a wide range of applications in numerous industries:

1. Metallurgy and Casting:

Alloy production: A primary raw material for furnace smelting to produce brass (containing zinc), bronze (containing tin), and other copper alloys; 

Deoxidizer: Added to molten metals (such as steel and copper alloys) to remove dissolved oxygen, thereby improving the quality and strength of the final casting.

2. Chemical and Industrial Processes: Catalysts: Used as catalysts or catalyst supports in various chemical reactions, such as the synthesis of silicone polymers and certain petrochemical processes; Water Filtration: Used in certain specialized water treatment systems to control the growth of algae and bacteria; Pyrotechnics: Used to produce blue and green colors in fireworks.

3. Manufacturing: Metal Injection Molding (MIM): Mixed with binders to form a "raw material," which is then injected into molds to manufacture small, complex-shaped metal parts; Friction Products: Used in the manufacture of brake pads and clutch discs; Brazing and Soldering: Sometimes used in specific brazing alloys and solder pastes.

4. Construction: Antifouling Paints: Mixed with hull coatings to prevent marine organism adhesion; Conductive Coatings and Composites: Mixed with polymers or epoxy resins for the manufacture of conductive plastics or flooring.

5. Recycling and Trading: Copper granules are a standard, high-value form of scrap copper, readily traded, and can be remelted by refineries and foundries.

Advantages of using copper granules (compared to other forms):

High specific surface area: This makes them ideal for chemical reactions, melting (which is faster than solid bulk copper), and filtration; 

Easy handling and metering: They can be easily transported, dumped, and metered by volume via conveyor systems, which is crucial for automated industrial processes; 

Uniform melting: Their small, uniform size contributes to stable and efficient melting in furnaces; 

Cost-effective: In major applications in the metallurgical industry, copper granules are generally more economical than copper wire or rods.

Copper granules are an important industrial material, favored for their excellent conductivity, recyclability, and diverse shapes. They connect copper ore and finished products, playing a key role in metal casting, chemical manufacturing, and the circular economy, and are an important recyclable commodity.