Aluminum Silicon

Aluminum Silicon Bronze is a type of bronze alloy that contains both aluminum and silicon as major alloying elements in addition to copper. This combination results in an alloy with excellent mechanical properties, high strength, good corrosion resistance, and superior wear resistance.

Composition:

Copper (Cu): Approximately 76-88%
Aluminum (Al): Approximately 8-11%
Silicon (Si): Approximately 1-3%
Other elements: May include small amounts of iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), and manganese (Mn) to enhance specific properties.

Grades

C62500 / C95200 / C95900:

Specific grades of aluminum silicon bronze, each with slightly different compositions and properties tailored for various applications.

CuAl11Ni5Fe5:

European designation for an aluminum bronze alloy with nickel and iron additions for enhanced properties.

BS1400-AB1 & AB2:

British Standard specifying the requirements for high-strength aluminum silicon bronze alloys.

BS2874 CA104 & CA103:

British Standard specifying the composition and mechanical properties for different grades of aluminum silicon bronze.

Properties:

Corrosion Resistance:
- Excellent resistance to corrosion in seawater and various industrial environments.
- High resistance to oxidation and scaling at elevated temperatures.
Mechanical Properties:
- Tensile Strength: Typically around 500-800 MPa.
- Yield Strength: Approximately 200-400 MPa.
- Elongation: Generally around 10-20%, indicating good ductility.
- Hardness: High hardness, with a typical Brinell hardness number (HB) of around 100-300.
Wear Resistance:
- Superior wear resistance, making it suitable for applications involving heavy loads and friction.
- Good anti-galling properties, ideal for bearings and bushings.
Machinability:
- Moderate to good machinability, allowing for the manufacturing and machining of complex components.
- Can be cast, forged, and worked to various shapes.
Thermal and Electrical Conductivity:
- Good thermal conductivity, suitable for heat exchange applications.
- Moderate electrical conductivity, sufficient for many industrial uses but lower than pure copper.

Applications:

Marine Hardware: Extensively used in marine hardware such as propellers, pumps, and valves due to its excellent corrosion resistance.
Bearings and Bushings: Commonly used in the production of bearings and bushings for heavy-duty applications.
Aerospace and Defense: Suitable for aerospace and defense components where high strength and corrosion resistance are critical.
Industrial Equipment: Used in various industrial equipment parts, including valve bodies, pump components, and gears.
Automotive Industry: Employed in the automotive industry for components that require high strength and wear resistance.