What Is Aluminum Bronze?
Aluminum bronze is an alloy composed of copper and aluminum. Copper is the major chemical constituent of aluminum bronze. In aluminum bronze, the copper content accounts for approximately 80% to 90% of the total composition.
Aluminum is also present in aluminum bronze in proportions of 15% or less. In addition to copper and aluminum, aluminum bronze contains iron from 1% to 6%, nickel from 1% to 5%, and manganese from 0.5% to 2%.
Uses of Aluminum Bronze
Aluminum bronze is widely used because of its excellent corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, and ease of fabrication.
The following are some of the major uses of aluminum bronze:
- Aluminum bronze is used in decorative items as an alternative to gold. This is because the color of aluminum bronze is nearly the same as that of gold.
- Aluminum bronze was also used as a material for coins in prewar Japan.
- Aluminum bronze is also used in the sea because of its excellent resistance to seawater. As a specific example, aluminum bronze is used as a material for ship propellers and seawater valves.
Characteristics of Aluminum Bronze
Aluminum bronze is characterized by the fact that it is classified into four types, each with different chemical and physical properties. Each type of aluminum bronze and its characteristics are listed below.
Aluminum bronze Type 1 castings are called Cu-Al-Fe alloys. Aluminum bronze Type 1 is characterized by its resistance to bending, heat resistance, corrosion resistance, low-temperature properties, and abrasion resistance.
Aluminum bronze casting Type 2 is known as a Cu-Al-Fe-Ni (nickel)-Mn (manganese) alloy. Aluminum Bronze Type 2 castings are particularly resistant to corrosion and wear.
Aluminum bronze Type 3 castings are also Cu-Al-Fe-Ni-Mn alloys. Aluminum bronze Type 3 is often used in large castings because of its particularly high strength.
Aluminum bronze casting Type 4 is also known as a Cu-Al-Mn-Fe-Ni alloy. Aluminum bronze Type 4 has high strength and excellent corrosion and wear resistance. Aluminum bronze casting Type 4 is widely used as a material for large castings with simple shapes.