COPPER ALLOYS

Copper alloys are metal alloys that have copper as their principal component. They have high resistance
against corrosion. The best known traditional types are bronze, where tin is a significant addition, and
brass, using zinc instead. Both of these are imprecise terms, having both been commonly referred to as
latten in the past.

Type of Copper alloys :

Brass-
Brass is formed out of copper mixed with
45% zinc, a little percentage of lead to
 provide machinability and tin for
strength.
Nickel silvers-
This kind of metal has a very misleading
appearance, much like silver which leads
to its confusing name. They are a mixture
of copper with nickel, zinc and sometimes
lead.
They are used to fashion coins, jewelry,
name plates, keys etc.

Copper nickel-
Copper mixed with nickel forms this
variant and is generally what is sued for
pipes, boat sheathing etc.

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 Bronze-
Bronzes are one brazing alloy of copper
made out of amalgamating tin and one of
the phosphorous elements.

BRONZE ALLOY

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Bronze is an alloy consisting primarily of copper,
commonly with about 12–12.5% tin and often
with the addition of other metals (such as
aluminum, manganese, nickel or zinc) and
sometimes non-metals, such as phosphorus, or
metalloids such as arsenic, or silicon.

Chemical Properties:

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  Upon exposure to air, bronze oxidizes, but
only on its outer layer.

 If chlorides are present (as from

seawater), copper chlorides form,
which can cause "bronze disease" - a
condition in which corrosion works
through the metal and destroys it.

Physical Properties :
 Highly ductile.
 Bronze exhibits low friction against other
metals.
 Brittle, but less so than cast iron.

USES OF BRONZE ALLOY

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  Bronze is used in architecture for
structural and design elements, for
bearings because of its friction properties.
 Phosphor bronze in musical instruments,
electrical contacts, and ship propellers.
 Aluminum bronze is used to make
machine tools and some bearings.
 Bronze wool is used instead of steel wool
in woodworking because it doesn’t
discolor oak.

 Bronze has been used to make coins.

Most “copper” coins are actually bronze,
consisting of copper with 4% tin and 1%
zinc.

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 Use Of Bronze In
Architecture

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 Today, bronze is popularly used in sculptures
for its excellent casting qualities. In
architecture, it can be regularly found in
hardware, doors, entrances, fountains,
handrails, column cladding, and architectural
details such as plaques, medallions, and
panels.

Bronze columns and guardrail panels in the Milwaukee City Hall,

1895.

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 Bronze statue of tiger at Mysore Palace; Mysore, Karnataka,
India

Architectural bronze suppliers are becoming a

favorite shopping spot for both exterior
architects and interior designers. The recent
focus on sustainable metal cladding and “green”
buildings proves it.

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The term Architectural Bronze describes a metal
alloy of copper, zinc and various other metals
that contribute various qualities to the mix. The
high proportion of the copper constituent
imparts corrosion resistance and durability and
the addition of manganese contributes tensile
strength. Architectural Bronze therefore
combines stability, strength and longevity with

an aesthetic appeal which improves with time

giving a feeling of luxury and prestige both

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inside and out to metal windows on any
building.

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Bronze practically lasts forever. The durability of
bronze is due to its high copper content. Copper
develops a protective barrier when exposed to
the elements. Aluminum and zinc do this too,
but copper is the old pro here – it’ll easily last
for 1,000 years or more.

Bibliography
 https://www-traditionalbuilding-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.traditionalbuilding.com/.amp/
product-report/bronze?amp_gsa=1&amp_js_v=a9&usqp=mq331AQKKAFQArABIIACAw%3D
%3D#amp_tf=From%20%251%24s&aoh=16575560292757&referrer=https%3A%2F
%2Fwww.google.com&ampshare=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.traditionalbuilding.com%2Fproduct-report
%2Fbronze
 https://www.bronzecasements.com/architectural-bronze.html
 Metals in America’s Historic Buildings, US Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Cultural
Resources Preservation Assistance, Washington D.C. © 1980 Margo Gayle and John White
 The Beginnings of Bronze ©2019 Copper Development Association (Available online)
 https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bronze#:~:text=Bronze%20is%20an%20alloy%20consisting,such%20as
%20arsenic%2C%20or%20silicon.

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