When man learned that metals can be mixed together to form stronger and
more durable materials, they began searching for the perfect combination, and
never stopped for the next 7000 years. The first metals they tried to combine
were copper and tin. The resulting metal—bronze—turned out to be so popular an
entire era was named after it. Until now, metallurgists are still experimenting
on copper-tin alloy to produce strong and durable bronzes. Here are some other
facts about bronze that might interest you.
It Contains Other Metals Apart from Copper and
Tin
In the past, almost all bronzes contain only copper and tin. When
metalworkers realized adding other metals can improve its properties, the
original copper-tin mix became obsolete. In fact, you can hardly find bronze
materials these days that do not have extra elements in them, such as aluminum,
manganese, nickel or zinc. Sometimes, non-metals or metalloids such as arsenic,
phosphorus or silicon are also added.
You may wonder why it’s still called bronze despite the presence of
other elements. Well, that’s because only a miniscule amount of those elements
are added. Most bronzes still contain about 86 percent copper and 12 percent
tin. The remaining 2 percent consists of the additional elements. The
properties and quality of bronze depend greatly on its tin content.
It Has Amazing Properties
There’s more to bronze than its rustic beauty. It has a set of
properties that are useful for myriads of applications. Bronze is both ductile
and malleable. This means it can be hammer into thin sheets or drawn into
wires. It also exhibits low friction against other metals, which is why it is
ideal for making machine bearings. When solidifying from a liquid state, bronze
expands a small amount, a property that is considered desirable in sculpture
casting, particularly in filling a mold.
Aside from being low-friction, bronze also does not generate sparks when
stroke against a hard surface. Such property is particularly useful for
applications that involve the use of flammable substances. Special types of
bronze are also resistant to saltwater corrosion. These bronzes are used for
making propellers and other ship parts that are constantly exposed to seawater.
Good Oxidation
Oxidation is the most formidable enemy of most metals, especially the
ferrous ones. When exposed to moisture, the molecules of these metals combine
with oxygen to form another substance. In most cases, these substance is rust.
Bronze, however, reacts differently. Instead of forming rust, it develops a
greenish layer of material called patina. This layer serves as a protection to
the metal, allowing it to last for thousands of years.
Apart from giving protection, patina is also responsible for giving
bronze its distinctive antique appearance. A lot of people would pay high price
for a beautifully patinated bronze item. In fact, there are actual methods that
speed up patination to achieve the most desirable look of bronze.
When looking for bronze items, it is best to go to a trusted supplier
like Rotax Metals. Don’t settle for anything less than high-quality bronze bars and sheets for
your project. You should also be careful when choosing a type of bronze to
ensure that it suits your project’s specifications.
About Rotax Metals: When it
comes to metals, no other supplier can meet your specifications than Rotax
Metals. We are a one-stop shop for high-grade copper, brass, and bronze
supplies in North America. Whether you are an artisan, an architect, or a metal
supplier yourself, we are your best source of materials. Let us help you make
your project successful. Get in touch with us today and we will be more than
glad to assist you.
Sources:
Few Interesting Facts Of Bronze, worldofchemicals.com
What Is Bronze? Definition, Composition and
Properties, thoughtco.com
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