The Importance of Copper in Industry
Copper is one of those metals that help the world go around. Without copper, so many of the conveniences we are used to would probably be impossible. Copper touches every part of our lives - it helps our homes to provide comfort and entertainment, it keeps our automobiles and other vehicles running, it is made into jewelry and cookware, and musical instruments that bring so much joy to the human race might not exist. Besides these gifts of copper and its derivatives, copper helps us in a number of ways that are generally unnoticed.
Copper sulfate is a compound formed when copper is exposed to sulfuric acid. Copper sulfate is one of the most important copper salts and has wide application in a number of industries. One of the most important applications concerns treating lumber that will be used in building homes and other structures. Unless lumber is treated with copper sulfate, it can be attacked by fungi which will result in wet or dry rot. Copper sulfate also helps to deter attacks by wood boring insects. Wood that is factory produced will be treated with copper sulfate, and treatment is often given at the construction site to protect sawn areas. Wooden sidings, such as pine shingles, are usually prepared with copper sulfate to forestall deterioration.
Agriculture makes use of copper sulfate extensively. As dangerous compounds based on arsenic are no longer used on growing crops, copper sulfate offers a safe alternative. It helps to prevent damage to crops from fungi, and anyone who has had their seedlings 'damp off' because of a fungus, will be happy to learn that copper sulfate will help to keep seedlings healthy.
Slugs and snails, which can be extremely destructive to crops, are killed by this copper salt and it has been used to reduce the incidence of liver flukes, which have an intermediate host in these mollusks.
Many of the clothes we wear and the fabrics in our homes are artificial fibers. Most of us give no thought to where these come from. Petroleum is the source for these fibers, and it is copper salts that assist with their production. Nylon, polyester, and spandex are just some of the fibers produced with the help of copper sulfate. Besides participating in the formation of these fibers, copper sulfate is also used to treat natural fabrics, such as cotton canvas, to prevent rotting.
Even many things that beautify our homes are the result of the use of copper sulfate. This salt is used to color glass and ceramic glazes. Copper sulfate is also used to color cement to add a decorative touch both inside and out. And, the dyes formed by using this compound are used to give a wider range to fabrics and leather goods.
Copper and its alloys and derivatives touch our lives in a great number of ways, both seen and unseen, so give a thought, the next time you turn on a light, to how far the copper wire in your wall has travelled to provide you with illumination.
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