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 COPPER FOR INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE 3. Copper Characteristics Antimicrobial Recent scientific studies show copper to have an inherently antimicrobial surface, which means that copper and certain copper alloys naturally do not support the growth of mold, mildew, algae and harmful microbes. This makes copper and these alloys ideal for touch surfaces where the spread of bacteria and pathogens is not wanted. Some examples include health care work surfaces, door knobs, push plates and handrails. It is important to emphasize that this property is not the result of adding a surface or coating to the copper. It is an inherent property. Malleable Copper is extremely malleable. This means that copper is easy to work, and it is easy to bend, shape and craft into intricate designs. Malleability is particularly important when designing and crafting finely detailed interior fixtures or accents for example.  Copper can be formed in a variety of shapes. Ductile Copper can be easily stretched or extruded, which is of great importance to the wire and cable industry and those producing rod, bar and extruded shapes. For the interiors or architectural industry, consider for example a curved handrail. Portions of the metal rail will need to be stretched when curved to match the form of the staircase, while other sections will be compressed. There are many fine examples of such handrails in historic as well as contemporary buildings in Canada.    These three images illustrate how copper alloys can be easily bent and shaped in a variety of ways. Conductive Copper is an outstanding conductor of many types of energy including heat and electricity. That is why copper wire is the choice in many electrical applications compared to other materials. Copper is being used as well where thermal energy is transferred, such as solar power and geothermal heating. Corrosion Resistant Copper is renowned as a corrosion resistant metal. Corrosive environments such as bathrooms, kitchens, locker rooms and enclosed swimming pools where moisture is always present are logical locations for exploiting copper’s inherent corrosion resistance. And copper and copper alloys, due to their beautiful natural finishes, perform well in these environments without the need for special coatings or surface treatments. The occasional cleaning will keep them looking like new. Without cleaning, they frequently age to a natural statuary or patina finish. |
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