Titanium Clad Copper For Electroplating

What is titanium clad copper?

Titanium coated copper, as a mature metal composite material, was originally designed to break the corrosion resistance of pure copper as a conductive material. It permanently combines titanium and copper together through explosive or rolling composite processes, forming a perfect structure of "corrosion-resistant titanium layer and conductive copper core".

Why does titanium coated copper perform well in conductive applications under strong corrosion conditions?

1. Physical barrier: The titanium layer acts as a dense physical barrier, completely isolating the corrosive attack of the electrolyte on the internal copper core (chemical corrosion, electrochemical dissolution). Copper is highly susceptible to corrosion in environments with strong acids, oxidants, or chloride ions, while the titanium layer provides a perfect "protective shield" for it.
 

2. Inhibit galvanic corrosion: Although there is a significant potential difference between copper (active) and titanium (inert), theoretically it may induce galvanic corrosion (copper as an anode accelerates dissolution). However, the excellent passivation properties of titanium make it actually behave as a cathode in electrolytic environments, and its cathode area (titanium layer) is very large relative to the extremely small anode point (copper) that may be exposed. More importantly, the dense TiO ₂ film on the titanium surface greatly inhibits the cathodic reaction rate (such as oxygen reduction reaction), making the anodic dissolution current of copper extremely weak and almost negligible even in the presence of small exposed points. The "blunt state" of titanium is the key to suppressing galvanic corrosion.
 

3. Corrosion resistance matching electrolytic environment: The operating environment (containing oxidants, oxygen, chloride ions, etc.) of most electrolytic cells (such as copper electrolytic refining, zinc electrolytic deposition, chlor alkali electrolysis) is precisely the most stable and effective environment for titanium passivation film. Titanium coated copper is like fish in water in such environments.
 

4. Mechanical strength and durability: Titanium itself has good strength and toughness, protecting the copper core from mechanical damage and erosion corrosion, and extending the service life of the overall components.