[TheForge] Copper vs. coronavirus

[Bruce .]

Many years ago (probably in the early 1980's) I was playing with copper
enameling over a hot plate.  Along the way I noticed that the reverse of my
copper piece came out bright red -- unevenly so, but where it was red it
was gorgeous.  I later read (but can't confirm) that this coloration was
due to first oxidizing the copper surface, then reducing the oxidized
copper leading to finely divided copper somewhat bonded to the surface.  I
understand that this is the origin of the bright red enamel called "China
Red," but, again, I can't verify this.

That's all I know about that and I don't care to stand behind those
assertions because I haven't taken the time to research the matter.

The possibility intrigues me, however, and makes me wonder whether there
might be some simple thermal or chemical oxidation followed by reduction
that would lead to patinations of particular interest and beauty -- and
possibly antimicrobial activity.

Copper and other metals can be very active in catalysis.  Copper oxides and
other metal oxides can be significantly toxic.  One or the other of these
effects likely is involved in the activity of copper in self-disinfecting.

Here we are, folks, among the "few" practitioners of patination, possibly
coming up with a means of rendering surfaces self-disinfecting.

Along that line, by the way, I did indeed invest (~$50) in a 20' roll of
copper flashing -- backed by some sort of plastic material -- which I've no
placed upon counters and tables and desks in my house to give me a
(possibly false) sense of security regarding contamination of these
surfaces.  (I do sanitize them anyway from time to time.)

Bruce
NJ


On Fri, Apr 10, 2020 at 9:35 PM jerry Frost <akfrosty at mtaonline.net> wrote:

> Be interested to see test results of this against virus. It's the copper
> oxides that are the anti microbial so increasing the surface area per
> sq/in.
> can't be making less oxidization.
>
> Thanks for the link, I think I'll be watching this one.
>
> Frosty
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net
> [mailto:theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Rob Fertner
> Sent: Friday, April 10, 2020 12:36 PM
> To: 'Blacksmithing List Sponsored by ABANA'
> Subject: Re: [TheForge] Copper vs. coronavirus
>
> https://phys.org/news/2020-04-metal-surfaces-instant-bacteria-killers.html
> Purdue University engineers have created a laser treatment method that
> could
> potentially turn any metal surface into a rapid bacteria killer- just by
> giving the metal's surface a different texture.
>
> According to this article, a copper surface normally takes hours to kill
> off
> bacteria, but after this laser treatment the copper immediately kills off
> the bacteria. I can see a coming fad in kitchen countertops coming in the
> future.
>
> Rob
> Wichita, KS
>
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