Last Updated on March 2, 2024 by Asfa Rasheed
Copper has a wide variety of usage; due to its widespread use, many people encounter it without even noticing it daily. In ancient times, early Egyptians used copper as a disinfectant for surgical tools and wounds. From biology to building tools, copper is an integral part of human life. Our body needs copper to help enzymes transfer energy in the cells. This article provides different uses of copper in our daily life, including copper alloys in jewelry and copper uses in the medical field and home services.
Table of Contents
Uses Of Copper Alloys In Jewelry
Precious metals are often molded such as gold or silver to improve corrosion resistance, elasticity, hardness, flexibility, and color. Copper, as a straightforward set base metal, is primarily used in these cases.
Gold alloys:
In most jewelry stores, you will find gold because pure gold doesn’t have a proper shape; thus, copper is alloyed with it to give it a decent profile and hardness. For example, 18k yellow gold is the most common gold alloy for making jewelry.
Sterling Silver:
It is another copper alloy used for making utensils, jewelry, and tableware. It is stronger than the gold alloy, thus an obvious choice for making belt buckles, bracelets, cufflinks, rings, etc. Moreover, thanks to copper’s hypoallergenic properties that most of the sterling silver jewelry is non-irritating.
Uses Of Copper In Medical Field
Early Egyptians documented that when copper comes in contact with germs, it kills many of them. Dr. Bill Keevil researched that MRSA, an antibiotic (a resistant strain of bacterial staph), could not survive on a copper surface the way it can on a platinum surface. The platinum metal is also used in hospital buildings such as doorknobs, railings, and beds. Due to his research, hospitals worldwide are installing copper touch surfaces to minimize bacterial infections within hospital settings.
Uses Of Copper In Home Services
Some of the most commonly used building materials in the electrical and plumbing industries are tubing, piping, and copper wire. Following are a few of its most common uses;
Wiring:
Copper can be stretched into wires and hammered into sheets without breaking, making it malleable.
Industrial machinery:
It helps in facilitating heat exchange.
Type M copper piping:
It is a thin and affordable copper piping built for residentials and works very well.
Motor parts:
Copper is an excellent conductor of heat and electricity and is much more efficient than other metals.
Plumbing:
As discussed before, copper has excellent malleability and antimicrobial properties, making it ideal for industry use. There are companies like Three Valley Copper that produce copper in great amounts.
Copper roofing:
When using copper in roofing, it makes them long-lasting with meager upgrading cost.
Antimicrobial Properties of Copper in the Medical Field
Copper’s role in the medical field extends beyond its traditional uses in building materials. Research has highlighted its remarkable antimicrobial properties, dating back to ancient times when early Egyptians used it for disinfection. Recent studies, such as Dr. Bill Keevil’s work, have demonstrated copper’s ability to effectively kill bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant strains like MRSA. As a result, hospitals worldwide are incorporating copper touch surfaces to combat bacterial infections and improve hygiene standards. This section explores the pivotal role of copper in promoting safer healthcare environments and its potential to revolutionize infection control practices.
Conclusion
Nowadays we are surrounded by things made from copper, and in many cases, it proves to be good for humans and their health. Moreover, its combination with different elements is also essential for the utilization of those elements. Simply we can say that copper is a vital source for the progression of life on earth. With the increasing demand for copper, it is not a bad idea to invest in it. Thus, we recommend reading Three Valley Copper stock, so you can also cope with the world around you.
