M. Kalyan Phani,
- Associate Professor Department of Metallurgical Engineering, OP Jindal University, Raigarh Chhattsigarh India
Abstract
Brass, a copper and zinc alloy, is renowned for its malleability and resistance to corrosion, which makes it perfect for musical instruments and plumbing. Aluminium bronze, containing copper and aluminium, offers superior strength and wear resistance, commonly used in marine and industrial applications for its durability and corrosion resistance. This study aimed to compare the micro and macro structural characteristics of brass and aluminium bronze alloys. The microstructures of these specimens were examined using an optical microscope equipped with image analysis software, allowing for detailed visualization and identification of various phases within the materials. This initial microstructural analysis revealed distinct differences in the phase compositions of brass and aluminium bronze, providing a foundation for further investigation. In addition to the results of the optical microscopy, more pictures were taken with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). A Universal Testing Machine was used to perform tensile testing on the specimens in order to assess their mechanical qualities. This testing provided comprehensive data on the modulus of elasticity, stress-strain behaviour, yield strength, and ultimate tensile strength of both brass and aluminium bronze. These mechanical properties are critical for understanding how each material behaves under stress and can inform their potential applications. Furthermore, pin-on-disk wear tests were conducted to assess the wear resistance of the materials. The results indicated that aluminium bronze exhibited higher wear resistance compared to brass, making it more suitable for applications where durability is essential. Additionally, it was noted that the wear rate for both materials increased with higher test loads, highlighting the importance of considering load conditions in practical applications. Overall, this comprehensive study provides valuable insights into the microstructural and mechanical characteristics of brass and aluminium bronze, contributing to the understanding of their suitability for various industrial applications.
Keywords: Micro and Macro structural Properties, Brass, Aluminium Bronze.
[This article belongs to Journal of Materials & Metallurgical Engineering(jomme)]
References
[1]. “Atomic weights of the elements 2013 (IUPAC Technical Report)”. Pure Applied Chemistry ISSN 1365-3075, 88 (3): 2016, 265–91. [2]. The New Encyclopedia Britannica. Vol. 3 Chicago: Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc. p. 612. ISBN 0-85229-553-7, 1992 [3]. “Machinable leaded and eco-friendly brass alloys for high performance manufacturing processes: A critical review.” Metals ISSN: 2075-4701, 12.2 (2022): 246. [4]. Understanding the Cu-Zn brass alloys using a short-range-order cluster model: significance of specific compositions of industrial alloys. Scientific reports, ISSN 2045-2322, 4(1), 7065. 2014 [5]. Characteristics and machinability of lead-free P/M Cu60–Zn40 brass alloys dispersed with graphite.” Powder Technology, ISSN 0032-5910, 198.3 (2010): 417-421. [6]. Cost-Effective Manufacturing: Copper Alloy Bearings, Copper Development Association (CDA) Publication TN45, 1971. [7] “The effects of production methods on the microstructures and mechanical properties of an aluminium bronze.” Materials Letters, ISSN 0167-577X, 57.28 (2003): 4402-4411. [8]. “Introduction-to-Physical-Metallurgy”; 2nd Edition; Tata McGraw-Hill Education; New York City Community College; City University of New York. [9]. Mechanical, friction and wear behaviours of a novel high-strength wear-resisting aluminium bronze. Wear, ISSN 0043-1648, 197(1-2), 130-136. 1996 [10]. Characterization of the microstructural aspects of machinable ab phase brass.” Microscopy and Analysis, ISSN 2049-4424, 127 (2008): 13. [11]. Materials for Tribology. ISBN: 0-444-88495-5, Vol. 20. Elsevier, 1992. [12] Casting Aluminium Bronze and Other Strong Metals.” Journal of Fluids Engineering, ISSN: 0098-2202, 8 (1887): 245-249. [13]. Effect of chemical composition and microstructure on mechanical properties of BA1055 bronze sand castings. Advances in Materials Science. Versita, Warsaw, 2009, 9(19), 23-29. [14]. Metallurgical and tribological investigations of aluminium bronze bushes made by a novel centrifugal casting technique.” Tribology international, ISSN 0301-679X, 29.6 (1996): 487-492. [15].Copper and copper alloys: Rod for free machining purposes, European Committee for Standardization (CEN), Brussels, Belgiu, 1998 [16]. The microstructure and mechanical properties of friction stir welded Cu–30Zn brass alloys. Materials Science and Engineering: A, ISSN 0921-5093, 2014, 589, 228-234. [17]. Copper & Copper Alloy Castings, Properties & Applications Publication TN42, 1991. [18]. Cost-Effective Manufacturing: Copper Alloy Bearings, CDA Publication TN45, 1971. [19] The Aluminium Bronzes: A Survey of the Physical and Mechanical Properties of these Materials of Wide Use. Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, ISSN : 0002-2667 1993, 5(11), 251-255. [20]. “Dezincification of brass.” Corrosion Science ISSN 0010-938X, 7.8 (1967): 513-523. [21]. “Principles of Metal Casting”; ISBN-13: 978-0070993488, Tata McGraw-Hill Education, 1976. [22] Size effects on tensile strength of aluminum–bronze alloy at room temperature.” Materials & Design ISSN: 0264-1275, 2015, 85, 778-784. [23]. Wear of copper and its alloys with submicrocrystalline structure.” Wear, ISSN 0043-1648, 225 (1999): 649-655.
Journal of Materials & Metallurgical Engineering
Volume | 14 |
Issue | 02 |
Received | July 10, 2024 |
Accepted | August 4, 2024 |
Published | August 10, 2024 |