Glidcop

Glidcop is the registered trademark name of North American Höganäs, that refers to a family of copper-based metal matrix composite (MMC) alloys mixed primarily with aluminum oxide ceramic particles. The addition of small amounts of aluminum oxide has minuscule effects on the performance of the copper at room temperature (such as a small decrease in thermal and electrical conductivity), but greatly increases the copper's resistance to thermal softening and enhances high elevated temperature strength. The addition of aluminum oxide also increases resistance to radiation damage. As such, the alloy has found use in applications where high thermal conductivity or electrical conductivity is required while also maintaining strength at elevated temperatures or radiation levels.

Glidcop is available in several grades which have varying amounts of aluminum oxide content.

Additional materials and elements can be added if lower thermal expansion is required, or higher room temperature and elevated temperature strengths. The hardness can also be increased. A composite material of Glidcop AL-60 and 10 % Niobium provides high strength and high conductivity. The hardness is comparable to many copper-beryllium and copper-tungsten alloys, while the electrical conductivity is comparable to RWMA Class 2 alloy. Other additives for specialized applications include molybdenum, tungsten, Kovar, and Alloy 42.

At elevated temperatures, Glidcop maintains its strength much better than oxygen-free copper. The aluminum oxide particles in the copper block dislocation movement, which retards recrystallization and prevents grain growth. At 500 °C (932 °F) Glidcop AL-15 has a yield strength of over 29 ksi (200 MPa). Glidcop also has exceptional elevated temperature stress rupture strength when compared to oxygen-free copper.

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Wikipedia