Everything about Aluminium Bronze totally explained
Aluminium bronze is a type of
bronze in which
aluminium is the main
alloying
metal added to
copper. A variety of aluminium bronzes of differing compositions have found industrial use, with most ranging from 5% to 11% aluminium by weight, the remaining mass being copper; other alloying agents such as
iron,
nickel,
manganese, and
silicon are also sometimes added to aluminium bronzes.
Compositions
Following is a list of common standard aluminium bronze
wrought alloy compositions, by
ISO 428 designations (proportional composition by weight; copper is the remainder by weight and isn't listed):
| Alloy |
Aluminium |
Iron |
Nickel |
Manganese |
Zinc |
Arsenic |
| CuAl5 |
4.0% - 6.5% |
0.5% max |
0.8% max |
0.5% max |
0.5% max |
0.4% max |
| CuAl8 |
7.0% - 9.0% |
0.5% max |
0.8% max |
0.5% max |
0.5% max |
|
| CuAl8Fe3 |
6.5% - 8.5% |
1.5% - 3.5% |
1.0% max |
0.8% max |
0.5% max |
|
| CuAl9Mn2 |
8.0% - 10.0% |
1.5% max |
0.8% max |
1.5% - 3.0% |
0.5% max |
|
| CuAl10Fe3 |
8.5% - 11.0% |
2.0% - 4.0% |
1.0% max |
2.0% max |
0.5% max |
|
| CuAl10Fe5Ni15 |
8.5% - 11.5% |
2.0% - 6.0% |
4.0% - 6.0% |
2.0% max |
0.5% max |
|
Material properties
Aluminium bronzes are most valued for their higher strength and
corrosion resistance as compared to other bronze alloys. These alloys are
tarnish-resistant and show low rates of corrosion in
atmospheric conditions, low
oxidation rates at high temperatures, and low reactivity with
sulfurous compounds and other
exhaust products of
combustion. They are also resistant to corrosion in
sea water. Aluminium bronzes' resistance to corrosion rests in the aluminium component of the alloys, which reacts with atmospheric
oxygen to form a thin,
tough surface layer of
alumina (aluminium oxide) which acts as a barrier to corrosion of the copper-rich alloy.
Another notable property of aluminium bronzes are their
biostatic effects. The copper component of the alloy prevents colonization by marine organisms including
algae,
lichens,
barnacles, and
mussels, and therefore can be preferable to
stainless steel or other non-cupric alloys in applications where such colonization would be unwanted.
Aluminium bronzes tend to have a golden color.
Applications
Aluminium bronzes are most commonly used in applications where their resistance to corrosion makes them preferable to other engineering materials. These applications include
bearing brushes and
landing gear components on
aircraft,
engine components (especially for sea-going ships), underwater fastenings in
naval architecture, and ship
propellers. The attractive gold-toned coloration of aluminium bronzes has also led to their use in
jewelry.
Aluminium bronzes are in the highest demand from the following industries and areas:
Aluminium bronze can be
welded using the
MIG welding technique with an aluminium bronze core and pure
argon gas.
Alloys similar to Aluminium bronze are used in making coins, for example the $1 and $2
Australian coins produced by the
Royal Australian Mint and the
Nordic gold used for some
Euro coins.
Further Information
Get more info on 'Aluminium Bronze'.
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