Can Copper and Stainless Steel be Separated?

In summary, there is some truth to the rumor that it is impossible to separate copper from stainless steel. This is because austenitic stainless steels, which are non-magnetic, cannot be magnetically separated from copper. Additionally, copper in large enough quantities can affect the structural integrity of stainless steel. However, it is possible to remove copper from stainless steel if it has been melted in, but this may still impact the structural properties of the steel.
  • #1
Albeaver89
18
0
I heard a rumor from some people at a scrap yard that it's impossible to sepperate copper from stainless steel, and that the copper ruins the stainless steels structual integrety. Is there any truth to this?
 
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  • #2
Albeaver89 said:
I heard a rumor from some people at a scrap yard that it's impossible to sepperate copper from stainless steel, and that the copper ruins the stainless steels structual integrety. Is there any truth to this?
The comment ('rumor') may be related to the magnetic properties of certain stainless steel, or the lack thereof.

Austenitic stainless steels are non-magnetic, while ferritic and martensitic (and PH) are magnetic. Austenitics could not be magnetically separated from copper.
http://www.mceproducts.com/knowledge-base/article/article-dtl.asp?id=18

Copper in sufficient fractions degrades the structural properties of stainless steels.
 
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  • #3
If you had melted copper into the stainless steel can you then remove the copper?
 

Related to Can Copper and Stainless Steel be Separated?

1. What is the difference between copper and stainless steel?

Copper is a naturally occurring element with a reddish-orange color, while stainless steel is a man-made alloy made up of a combination of metals, including iron, chromium, and nickel. Copper is softer and more malleable, while stainless steel is stronger and more resistant to corrosion.

2. Which one is a better conductor of heat?

Copper is a better conductor of heat compared to stainless steel. This is because copper has a higher thermal conductivity, meaning it can transfer heat more efficiently than stainless steel. This is why copper is commonly used in cookware and electrical wiring.

3. Is one more expensive than the other?

In general, copper is more expensive than stainless steel. This is due to the fact that copper is a natural resource and requires more labor and energy to extract and refine. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is a man-made alloy and can be produced more efficiently and at a lower cost.

4. Which one is more resistant to rust and corrosion?

Stainless steel is more resistant to rust and corrosion compared to copper. This is because stainless steel contains chromium, which forms a protective layer on the surface of the metal, preventing it from rusting. Copper, on the other hand, is prone to tarnishing and corrosion when exposed to air and moisture.

5. Can copper and stainless steel be used together?

Yes, copper and stainless steel can be used together in certain applications. However, it is important to consider the potential for galvanic corrosion, where the more reactive metal (copper) can corrode when in contact with the less reactive metal (stainless steel). Protective coatings or insulating materials can be used to prevent this corrosion from occurring.

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