zinccopper

Zinccopper is a copper–zinc alloy in which zinc is the principal alloying element. In common usage the material is known as brass, though the term zinccopper may be used in technical or multilingual contexts to refer to copper–zinc alloys more generally. The zinc content typically ranges from about 5% to 45% by weight, with lower zinc grades yielding a reddish, coppery color and higher zinc grades a more yellow, gold-like hue. The composition and microstructure determine properties such as hardness, ductility, and color; alpha brasses (lower zinc) are more ductile and corrosion resistant, while higher zinc can increase strength and machinability but reduce ductility and electrical conductivity.

Zinccopper alloys generally have densities around 8.4–8.7 g/cm3, are relatively good electrical conductors for an alloy, and offer excellent malleability and machinability. They exhibit good corrosion resistance in atmospheric conditions and in many water environments, but some grades are susceptible to dezincification in aggressive media, particularly in seawater, leading to weakening and pitting.

Production and processing: Brass is produced by melting copper and zinc together and casting or hot/cold working. The presence of trace elements (lead, tin, iron) is used to tailor machinability and strength for specific applications.

Applications: Zinccopper alloys are widely used in plumbing fittings, heat exchangers, musical instruments, decorative hardware, architectural trim, and coins in some regions.