Copper

Copper (CAS 7440-50-8), abbreviated Cu and approved as food colorant E115, is a base metal supplied in refined elemental form for industrial, agricultural, and chemical processing applications. It functions as a biocide, catalyst, and conductive material across a broad range of manufacturing and treatment processes. In water treatment, copper is used in algaecide and antifouling systems.

These systems control microbial growth in cooling towers, reservoirs, and distribution infrastructure. Agriculture relies on copper-based formulations, including fungicides and soil amendments, to manage crop disease. It is also used to correct mineral deficiencies in livestock feed. Electronics and surface finishing industries consume refined copper for electroplating, conductive coatings, and printed circuit board fabrication.

In chemical processing, copper serves as a catalyst or catalyst precursor in hydrogenation, oxidation, and organic synthesis reactions. Copper is supplied as cathode sheets, powder, granules, wire, and flakes. Purity grades range from standard technical to high-purity electrolytic (99.99%). Powder grades are available in varying mesh sizes to suit catalyst preparation, pigment blending, or metallurgical applications.

Recognized commercial grades include electrolytic tough pitch (ETP) and oxygen-free (OF) copper for electrical and precision uses. This material meets rigorous industrial and chemical specifications.