Copper Indium Alloy Powder (Cu-In) Description
Copper Indium Alloy Powder (Cu-In) is one of the basic targets of CIG (Copper Indium Gallium) and CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium Selenide) thin-film solar materials. It is mainly used for making electrical equipment such as generators, buses, cables, switch devices, transformers, and flat plate collectors of the heat exchanger, pipelines, and solar heating devices.
Copper Indium Alloy Powder (Cu-In) Specifications
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Chemical Composition
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Cu, In
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Purity
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>99.9%
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Content
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Cu80In20
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Form
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powder
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APS
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<40 um
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Copper Indium Alloy Powder (Cu-In) Properties
- Low Melting Point: The presence of indium significantly reduces the melting point of copper. The melting point of pure copper is 1083°C, but that of indium is 156.6°C. That of Cu80In20 falls between them and can thus be employed for low-temperature brazing or sintering.
- Electrical/Thermal Conductivity: The electrical and thermal conductivity of copper is extremely high and dominates all else, but adding indium lowers the conductivity somewhat. Nevertheless, it is improved compared to most other alloys.
- Oxidation Resistance: Indium readily develops a surface film of oxide (In₂O₃), which may affect the sintering behavior of the powder. Processing under an inert atmosphere (e.g., nitrogen or argon) is therefore necessary.
- Wettability: Indium possesses good wettability on glass and ceramics and is hence a suitable brazing filler (e.g., vacuum electronic device soldering).
- Plastic Workability: Indium has high ductility (can be bent into thin sheets), i.e., the powder can be cold-pressed into the desired shape. Indium softening can, however, reduce strength at high temperatures.
Copper Indium Alloy Powder (Cu-In) Applications
Copper Indium Alloy Powder (Cu-In) is mainly used for making electrical equipment such as generators, buses, cables, switch devices, transformers, and flat plate collectors of the heat exchanger, pipelines and solar heating devices.
Copper Indium Alloy Powder (Cu-In) Packaging
Our Copper Indium Alloy Powder (Cu-In) is carefully handled during storage and transportation to preserve the quality of our product in its original condition.
FAQs
1. What is Cu80In20 alloy powder and its most significant applications?
Cu80In20 is an 80% copper (Cu)-20 alloy powder by weight. It possesses the high electrical/thermal conductivity of copper and the low melting point and good wettability of indium.
2. Why does Cu80In20 have a low melting point?
Indium has a much lower melting point (156.6°C) compared to that of copper (1083°C). The melting range of the alloy falls between, and therefore it is suitable for low-temperature joining techniques such as soldering thermally sensitive components.
3. Is Cu80In20 powder prone to oxidation? How should it be stored?
Yes, indium forms an In₂O₃ oxide coating when it is exposed to air, which can retard sintering or bonding. Avoiding it:
- Store in sealed containers under inert gas (for example, nitrogen or argon).
- Process in oxygen-free atmospheres (e.g., vacuum furnaces).
