Brass is an alloy made of copper and zinc; the proportions of zinc and copper ca

n be varied to create a range of brasses with varying properties.[1] It is a sub

stitutional alloy: atoms of the two constituents may replace each other within t
he same crystal structure.
By comparison, bronze is principally an alloy of copper and tin.[2] However, the
common term "bronze" may also include arsenic, phosphorus, aluminium, manganese
, and silicon. The term is also applied to a variety of brasses, and the distinc
tion is largely historical.[3] Modern practice in museums and archaeology increa
singly avoids both terms for historical objects in favour of the all-embracing "
copper alloy".[4]
Brass is used for decoration for its bright gold-like appearance; for applicatio
ns where low friction is required such as locks, gears, bearings, doorknobs, amm
unition casings and valves; for plumbing and electrical applications; and extens
ively in brass musical instruments such as horns and bells where a combination o
f high workability (historically with hand tools) and durability is desired. It
is also used in zippers. Brass is often used in situations in which it is import
ant that sparks not be struck, such as in fittings and tools around explosive ga
ses.[5]
Contents [hide]
1 Properties
2 Lead content
3 Corrosion-resistant brass for harsh environments
4 Germicidal and antimicrobial applications
5 Season cracking
6 Brass types
7 History
7.1 Early copper zinc alloys
7.2 Brass making in the Roman World
7.3 Brass making in the medieval period
7.4 Brass in Africa
7.5 Brass making in Renaissance and post-medieval Europe
8 See also
9 References
10 Bibliography
11 External links
Properties[edit]
Microstructure of rolled and annealed brass (400X magnification)
The malleability and traditionally attributed acoustic properties of brass have
made it the metal of choice for musical instruments such as the trombone, tuba,
trumpet, cornet, baritone horn, euphonium, tenor horn, and French horn which are
collectively known as brass instruments. Even though the saxophone is classifie
d as a woodwind instrument and the harmonica is a free reed aerophone, both are
also often made from brass. In organ pipes of the reed family, brass strips (cal
led tongues) are used as the reeds, which beat against the shallot (or beat "thr
ough" the shallot in the case of a "free" reed). Although not part of the brass
section, snare drums are also sometimes made of brass.
Brass has higher malleability than bronze or zinc. The relatively low melting po
int of brass (900 to 940 C, 1652 to 1724 F, depending on composition) and its flow
characteristics make it a relatively easy material to cast. By varying the prop
ortions of copper and zinc, the properties of the brass can be changed, allowing
hard and soft brasses. The density of brass is approximately .303 lb/cubic inch
, 8.4 to 8.73 grams per cubic centimetre.[6]