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What is Bronze?
The bronze It is a metal product of the alloy (combination) between certain percentages of copper, tin or other metals. The ratio between the two main components will determine the colour, stiffness and use of the resulting product.
The origin of bronze dates back to 1700 AD, a period of prehistory characterized by the use of this new material for the construction of weapons and utensils, which meant a great step in terms of technology and the end of the Stone Age.
The term bronze comes from Latin Brundisium, which was the name of an ancient Italian city that today is known as Brindisi, from where bronze was distributed throughout the Roman Empire.
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Properties of bronze
Bronze have the following properties:
- Boiling point is from 2230 to 2420 ° C
- Melting point is from 830 to 1020 ° C
- Bronze density is 8.90 g / cm3.
- Bronze hardness, according to the Binell scale ranges from 70 to 200 HB (the maximum measure of this hardness scale is 600 HB).
Also Read: How to Melt Bronze at Home
Bronze Features
Bronze is a metal alloy that is characterized by:
- It is an excellent conductor of electricity.
- Accumulates less heat than other metals, so it is used in the manufacture of industrial elements, since its use is safe.
- It is less rigid than other metals, so it is an easy material to handle.
- The bronze is resistant to corrosion and this extends the life of products made with this alloy.
- It does not generate sparks When it hits a rigid surface, this makes bronze a safe use material in the presence of flammable gases or explosive elements.
Bronze composition
Bronze has a basic composition of copper and tin, with copper being the base metal.
However, the composition of the bronze can vary according to its type and include other metals, generating various types of alloys. The most common compositions and proportions are:
- Basic bronze: 89% copper and 11% tin.
- Sun bronze: It has a variable proportion of cobra and up to 60% cobalt.
- Cuproaluminium: It is a mixture of copper and up to 11% aluminum.
- Bell metal or bell bronze: 78% copper and 22% tin.
- Kane-kane: It is a very popular alloy in Japan that has 60% copper, 24% tin, 9% zinc and minor proportions of iron, lead, antimony or arsenic.
Uses of bronze
Because of its versatility, bronze is an alloy widely used in different areas, such as:
Industrial tools or parts
Bronze is used as the main industrial input for the manufacture of hammers, springs, turbines, etc.
Currencies
Bronze is a resistant material but at the same time more malleable than other metals, so it is used to coin coins in different countries.
Jewelry and Costume jewelery
Depending on the proportion of its components, bronze can be used in the manufacture of high-end jewellery, as well as pieces of jewellery in series.