Work

Literature Review on the Potential of Copper as Heat Pipes Material in Desalination Systems: Balancing Corrosion Resistance With Heat Transfer Performance

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Copper is widely used in heat pipes due to its high thermal conductivity, and compatibility with working fluids. However, its application in desalination is limited by Cl − rich seawater, dissolved oxygen, biofouling, and scaling which accelerate corrosion and reduce heat‐transfer performance. This SLR evaluates copper's suitability for desalination by balancing thermal performance and corrosion resistance using Scopus‐indexed studies on heat‐pipe, copper corrosion, and desalination environments. The review shows that copper remains a promising material, but its suitability is conditional. Major degradation mechanisms include Cl‐induced corrosion, MIC, deposit‐assisted localized attack, non‐condensable gas generation and interfacial instability. Effective protection strategies should preserve thermal and capillary performance through ultrathin passivation, multifunctional surface engineering, and thermo‐compatible interfacial design. A six‐dimensional framework integrating thermal function, corrosion durability, wick behavior, compatibility, manufacturability, and desalination relevance is proposed to guide material selection and future device‐level validation.

Source: Materials and Corrosion

DOI: 10.1002/maco.70240

Authors: Sofia Loren Butarbutar, Nanang Apriandi, Mohammad Djaeni, Mukhsinun Hadi Kusuma, Khoiri Rozi

Institutions: Diponegoro University, National Research and Innovation Agency, Research Organization for Nuclear Energy, Politeknik Negeri Semarang

Language: English

Topic: Heat Transfer and Boiling Studies

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,540