Cupronickel is a compound of copper and nickel. In its composition there is not a fraction of silver, although it has a silver color. It contains, in addition to 18% nickel and 80% copper, various additives. This corrosion resistant compound has a density of 8.9 g / cm3. Easy to process, possessing excellent ductility and high ductility, cupronickel is used for the manufacture of cutlery, crockery, cigarette cases, thermocouples and jewelry.
A bit of history
Once upon a time, the composition of cupronickel was shrouded in mystery behind seven seals.
In China, there was a man who was fond of foundry. He was looking for something new, mixing metals and other natural ingredients. And then he once discovered that the combination of bronze, nickel and zinc is remarkable for its easy castability, ductility and ductility.
A man just in time created his alloy, when the country announced the manufacture of ersatz silver for casting a single metal coin. The imperial regent was delighted with the new alloy. And an order was issued to establish the production of such a wonderful metal. Its casting technology was carefully concealed.
Only a few centuries later, the products of "Chinese silver" came to Europe and immediately attracted the attention of the nobility. Things from the Pakfong (as they used to call the alloy) were many times more expensive than real silver items.
Only in 1812, French chemical engineers received a pure alloy of nickel and copper, that is, the now known composition of cupronickel, which was called Mayshore.
Cupronickel tableware
Metal ware made of nickel silver is elegant and elegant, as well as very durable and maintains the desired temperature of dishes. Items are coated with a silver layer, which makes them look very exquisite. However, from time to time they need to be polished so that a special shine is not lost. It is not recommended to subject the dishes to sharp shocks so as not to deform them.
You can find wonderful items made of nickel silver used as dishes:
- Oval dishes are intended for serving hot fried fish on the table.
- Round dishes - for serving fried meat.
- Plowers are pots in which peeled hot eggs are served to the broth.
- Scissors - come with one or more partitions, they serve the main dish with one side dish or a complex, spread out in several cells.
- Lamb - semi-circular dishes of a round or oval shape with a lid (for appetizers of fish, game, poultry in sauce).
- Gravy boats - for serving sauces on the table: made in 1 or 2 servings.
- Cezves are oriental Turks for coffee; they have a narrow throat and nose.
- Kokotnitsy - small pots with a long handle for hot snacks (for example, for julienne).
Jewelry
It is sometimes difficult to distinguish silver objects from cupronickel. We need to look at the sample: the composition of cupronickel is indicated by the acronym MSC. They make various cupronickel jewelry: rings, bracelets, earrings, pendants with gold and silver plating, with gem or glass inserts.
Also, the composition of cupronickel is important in reinforcing products such as sugar bowls, flower vases, etc.