New Copper Innovation Center launched in North Charleston

The Copper Innovation Center has opened at the S.C. Research Authority in North Charleston.

The joint public-private research center is an initiative of the Copper Development Association and the International Copper Association. It will encourage collaboration among government entities, research institutions, universities, industry stakeholders and nongovernmental organizations.

“The Copper Innovation Center represents our industry’s determination to take responsibility and lead the effort in developing new technologies that will benefit everyone,” said Andy Kireta, president and CEO of the Copper Development Association.

Research will focus on new applications for copper and copper alloys. The center will be building on five current research projects.

Three projects involve the use of die-cast copper motors in power systems, industrial and defense applications and development of more-efficient pumps. These projects are being executed in partnership with the U.S. Army Research Laboratory.

Two other projects are in the public health arena. One is examining the antimicrobial properties of copper for use in copper heating and air conditioning components. The other project is using copper in hospital intensive care departments. Copper touch surfaces are being fitted into three hospitals to determine copper’s efficacy at controlling hospital-acquired infections.