Copper, the most noble of the metals in common use, has excellent resistance to corrosion in the atmosphere and in fresh water. In sea-water, the copper nickel alloys have superior resistance to corrosion coupled with excellent anti-fouling properties.
Copper cladding of wooden hulled warships, introduced by the Royal Navy in the 18th century to prevent damage by wood-boring insects and worms such as the teredo, was discovered to prevent biofouling by weed and molluscs. This meant that ships could stay at sea for long periods without cleaning. Nelson's successful blockade tactics and subsequent victory at Trafalgar was partly due to the superior speed of his clean-hulled ship.
The addition of nickel to copper improves its strength and durability and also the resistance to corrosion, erosion and cavitation in all natural waters including sea-water and brackish, treated or polluted waters. The alloys also show excellent resistance to stress-corrosion cracking and corrosion fatigue. The added advantage of resistance to bio-fouling, gives a material ideal for application in marine and chemical environments for ship and boat hulls, desalination plant, heat exchange equipment, sea-water and hydraulic pipelines, oil rigs and platforms, fish farming cages, sea-water intake screens, offshore renewables etc.
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