Arsenical copper

Summary

Arsenical copper contains up to 0.5% arsenic which, at elevated temperatures, imparts higher tensile strength and a reduced tendency to scaling. It is typically specified in boiler work, especially locomotive fireboxes.[1][2][3] It also helps prevent embrittlement of oxygen-free copper by bismuth, antimony and lead by the formation of complex oxides. Copper with a larger percentage of arsenic is called arsenical bronze, which can be work-hardened much harder than copper.

Sculpted head of a dignitary from ancient Iran (c.2000 BC) in arsenical copper

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ Rollason, EC (1949). Metallurgy for Engineers (2nd ed.). London: Arnold.
  2. ^ "IBR - 1950 : Reg. 129 A". Archived from the original on 2009-03-19. Retrieved 2010-01-21.
  3. ^ "Journmal Institution Locomotive Engineers Volume 42 (1952)".