Bronzes

Bronze is a copper-based alloy in which tin is the primary additive. The term also covers a wider family of copper alloys that may include elements such as aluminum, silicon, phosphorus, manganese, or nickel to tailor properties. Bronze is distinguished from brass, a copper–zinc alloy.

Tin bronze is the classic form, typically about 8–12% tin with the remainder copper. Other common bronzes include phosphor bronze (tin with phosphorus), aluminum bronze (aluminum), and silicon bronze (silicon). Additions improve strength, hardness, wear resistance, and casting behavior.

Properties: bronze generally has higher strength and hardness than pure copper, good corrosion resistance, and favorable wear characteristics. It is less ductile than copper but retains good fatigue resistance. It conducts electricity less well than copper and develops a protective patina over time.

History and uses: Bronze was central to the Bronze Age, beginning in the late 4th millennium BCE in parts of the Near East and East Asia and spreading globally. Tin trade and alloying knowledge enabled tools, weapons, sculpture, and coinage. In modern industry bronze is used for sculpture, structural bearings and bushings, marine hardware, gears, and bells due to its wear resistance and acoustic properties.

Notes: the term bronze is sometimes used loosely for various copper alloys, but many applications refer to tin bronze or other specific bronze types to indicate expected properties.