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Cu-based thin rolled foils: relationship among alloy composition, micromechanical and antiviral properties against
L Lorenzetti1, M Brandolini2,3, G Gatti2,3
1Dept. Industrial Engineering (DIN), University of Bologna, Viale Risorgimento 4, 40136 Bologna, Italy.
Abstract:
The healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and pandemics caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) and new-generation pathogens threaten the whole world community. Cu and its alloys have been attracting widespread interest as anti-contamination materials due to the rapid inactivation of MDR-superbugs and viruses. Applying thin Cu-based foils on pre-existing surfaces in hygiene-sensitive areas represents a quick, simple, cost-effective self-sanitising practice. However, the influence of chemical composition and microstructure should be deeply investigated when evaluating the antimicrobial capability and durability of Cu-based materials. The effect of composition on micromechanical and antiviral properties was investigated by comparing Cu15Zn and Cu18Ni20Zn (foil thickness from 13 to 27 μm) with Phosphorous High-Conductivity (PHC) Cu. The influence of recrystallisation annealing of PHC Cu was also investigated. Microstructural characterisation was carried out by optical (OM) and scanning electron (FEG-SEM) microscopy, Energy-dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) and Electron-Backscattered Diffraction (EBSD). The micromechanical behaviour was assessed by microhardness, microscale abrasion and scratch tests. Cu-based foils were exposed to SARS-CoV-2 for different time points in quasi-dry conditions (artificial sweat solution), evaluating their antiviral capability by quantitative Reverse-Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). Surface morphology, contact angle measurements and Cu release were measured. All Cu-based surfaces completely inactivated SARS-CoV-2 in 10 min: pure Cu was the best option regarding antiviral efficiency, while Cu15Zn showed the best trade-off between micromechanical and antiviral properties.
Insights
Copper alloys effectively inactivate SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces within 10 minutes. Pure copper offers the best antiviral efficiency, while Cu15Zn balances micromechanical and antiviral properties for self-sanitizing applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Microbiology
- Surface Engineering
Background:
- Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and pandemics from multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens pose global threats.
- Copper (Cu) and its alloys are promising antimicrobial materials for self-sanitizing surfaces.
- Understanding composition and microstructure is crucial for evaluating Cu-based material efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of chemical composition and microstructure on the antimicrobial and micromechanical properties of Cu-based foils.
- To compare the antiviral capabilities of Cu15Zn, Cu18Ni20Zn, and Phosphorous High-Conductivity (PHC) Cu against SARS-CoV-2.
- To assess the impact of recrystallisation annealing on PHC Cu properties.
Main Methods:
- Microstructural characterization using OM, FEG-SEM, EDS, and EBSD.
- Micromechanical testing including microhardness, abrasion, and scratch tests.
- Antiviral efficacy testing against SARS-CoV-2 using qRT-PCR under quasi-dry conditions.
Main Results:
- All tested Cu-based surfaces completely inactivated SARS-CoV-2 within 10 minutes.
- Pure copper demonstrated the highest antiviral efficiency.
- Cu15Zn exhibited a favorable balance between micromechanical robustness and antiviral performance.
Conclusions:
- Cu-based foils are effective for rapid SARS-CoV-2 inactivation on surfaces.
- Material composition and microstructure significantly influence antimicrobial and mechanical properties.
- Cu15Zn presents a viable option for cost-effective, self-sanitizing surfaces in hygiene-sensitive areas.
