Cupronickel(90%Cu-10%Ni)（Benchmark dealer buy-in price）

Cupronickel, commonly known as "Hakudo" (white copper) in Japan, is an alloy primarily composed of copper (Cu) and nickel (Ni).

While the standard composition typically consists of 90% copper and 10% nickel, trace amounts of elements like iron and manganese are often added depending on the application to further enhance its strength. Although copper is the base metal, the addition of nickel removes the characteristic reddish tint of copper, resulting in a striking, silvery-white appearance.
Cupronickel scrap is primarily generated from overseas desalination plants and domestic chemical facilities. Its market value fluctuates based on LME copper and nickel prices, with the primary end-users being stainless steel and copper alloy manufacturers.

Key Characteristics

• Exceptional Corrosion Resistance: It is highly resistant to seawater, making it virtually immune to rusting and degradation even in harsh saline environments.
• Anti-Fouling (Antimicrobial) Properties: Thanks to its copper content, it prevents the attachment of marine organisms—such as barnacles and algae—and inhibits microbial growth.
• Excellent Workability: It possesses high ductility and malleability, allowing it to be easily pressed or formed into complex shapes, such as intricate piping.
• Heat Resistance & Thermal Conductivity: It maintains its mechanical strength even in high-temperature environments, making it an ideal material for heat exchangers.

Major Applications

• Coinage: It is widely used by mints worldwide, including Japan’s 50-yen and 100-yen coins, as well as the U.S. 5-cent coin (commonly known as the "nickel").
• Marine & Shipbuilding Infrastructure: Due to its superior seawater resistance, it is an essential material for desalination plant piping systems, ship cooling pipes, and offshore platform structures.
• Industrial Plants: It is utilized in heat exchangers and condenser tubes within thermal and nuclear power plants, as well as chemical processing facilities.