C70600 Cupronickel 90/10: Marine Heat Exchanger and Piping Alloy
ASTM B466 · Published: 2026-06-03 · Updated: July 2026
C70600 Cupronickel (90% Cu, 10% Ni, 1.4% Fe) is the standard material for seawater cooling systems in naval vessels, offshore platforms, desalination plants, and power station condensers. It combines excellent corrosion resistance in flowing...
C70600 Cupronickel (90% Cu, 10% Ni, 1.4% Fe) is the standard material for seawater cooling systems in naval vessels, offshore platforms, desalination plants, and power station condensers. It combines excellent corrosion resistance in flowing seawater with inherent biofouling resistance — marine organisms do not readily attach to its surface.
Quick Facts
| Category | Copper Alloy |
| Standard | ASTM B466 |
| Density | 8.94 g/cm³ |
| Yield Strength | 105 MPa |
| Tensile Strength | 275 MPa |
Global Equivalents & Cross-Reference
Related Materials
🧮 Material Weight Calculator
Calculate the weight based on this material's density: 8.94 g/cm³
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is iron added to 90/10 cupronickel?
The 1.4% iron addition dramatically improves resistance to impingement attack in high-velocity seawater (>2.5 m/s flow). Without the iron addition, the protective oxide film breaks down and localized erosion-corrosion occurs. This was a major innovation in the 1950s that enabled cupronickel's widespread adoption in naval systems.
References & International Standards
- ASTM International. Standard Specifications for Steel & Metal Alloys. astm.org
- International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Metallic Materials — Cross-Reference Database. iso.org
- American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). Steel Grade Designations & Equivalents. steel.org
- European Committee for Standardization (CEN). EN Steel Standards & Numbering System. cencenelec.eu