Beryllium copper has high corrosion resistance and exceedingly good biofouling resistance, though its manufacturing is limited these days due to potential health effects of beryllium fume and powder inhalation during manufacturing. Nevertheless, in its age hardened condition, beryllium copper attains the highest strength and hardness of any commercial copper-based alloy. It has high galling resistance, is immune to hydrogen embrittlement and chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking. It has a range of marine applications including corrosion resistant, anti-galling cylinders for undersea cable communication system repeater housings, as well as connectors and drill components. Beryllium copper was used for connectors in transatlantic underground communications cables between Europe and the US.
References
- Beryllium Copper Metallurgy, Copper beryllium alloys are used for their high strength and good electrical and thermal conductivities. There are two groups of copper beryllium alloys, high strength alloys and high conductivity alloys .
- Copper Alloys for Marine Environments, Carol Powell and Peter Webster, Publication 206, Second Revision, , CDA UK, .