Difference between revisions of "Brass"
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Revision as of 16:18, 1 November 2017
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Brass is the name given to the most common copper-zinc alloy. Due to its properties and performance, it is widely used in mechanic and electric devices, as well as many common objects and installations.
Contents
Composition
Common brass alloys are comprised of 55-80% copper and 45-15% zinc, with the rest being either lead, aluminium or silicon. Nickel and tin brasses are sometimes encountered. Nickel-containing brass (NOT nickel-plated) is easy to tell apart from normal brass, as it's slightly magnetic.
Properties
Brass is a straw-yellow metallic alloy, with a density between 8.4 - 8.73 g/cm3 and a melting point of 900 to 940 °C, both of these properties depend on the alloy.
Brass will form a protective coating of zinc oxide/carbonate which protects it from further oxidation. Presence of aluminium in brass will improve the passivation.
Similar to copper, bras does not spark when struck or cut with an angle grinder, making it useful in applications where fire can be a hazard.
Brass is slowly attacked by ammonia, forming a deep blue solution of tetraamine copper complex.
Many acids, such as hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid will only dissolve the zinc from the brass, exposing the copper. Strong bases will achieve a similar effect. Oxidizers like diluted nitric acid will dissolve both the copper and zinc from brass.
Elemental mercury will attack brass by forming an amalgam with zinc.
Availability
Brass is available in all hardware stores in a variety of forms, such as pipes, fittings, tools, toys, decorations, handles, etc.
Scrap brass can be obtained from discarded or damaged items, such as fittings, pipes, old door handles, water taps, padlocks, various musical instruments, heating element shells, old light bulb screw head connectors, etc. It can also be salvaged from various old electronic components, such as: heat sinks, pin connectors, device frames, bolts and screws, sockets, electric contact supports, etc.
If you live in US or have access to a shooting range, empty brass shells are also a good source.
Due to its price, scrap brass is preferable, though if you need a specific brass alloy, you will have to purchase it.
Melting brass is a bit more difficult than melting aluminium, lead or zinc in a makeshift foundry due to its high melting point, but it's perfectly possible to melt brass at home using a homemade furnace.
Preparation
Brass can be made by melting together zinc with copper in the desired proportions.
Projects
- Cast good looking metal objects
- Make objects resistant to sea water
- Source of copper and zinc
Handling
Safety
Being a copper alloy, brass has antimicrobial properties, though the passivation layer it produces reduces its effectiveness.
Old types of brass tended to have lead, which is harmful.
Storage
Brass objects should be kept away from acids and ammonia.
Disposal
Brass is best recycled.
