Importance of copper in powder metallurgy

Powder metallurgists are not immune to shining a spotlight on exotic material having "nano" or "composite" prefixes while paying less attention to the basic materials and processes that continue to support and fuel expansion and growth of powder metallurgy (P/M). Copper is material that has played a major role in the history of P/M and continues to play an integral part in its development. This introductory article in the special issue on "Copper P/M" focuses on copper powder by taking a brief look at the major applications and unique processes associated with this element. An overview of copper's history, its properties, utility in P/M and its role in P/M's evolution is presented as a preface to the technical articles on copper P/M These articles support the view that the number and variety of applications of copper in P/M continue to rise. With new applications in the field of thermal management and in conventional P/M, the future remains bright for copper powder.