Aluminium bronze valves are highly
suitable for corrosive, saline environments. The common specification is
ASTM B148 C95800 although the AB2 specification is also use. These are
similar to C95500 and C95400 specifications, and offer good castability,
reasonable bearing material, easy machining and high tensile strength.
As a valve stockist, we stock, supply and
distribute valves in exotic materials such as titanium, hastelloy,
duplex, super duplex, monel, incoloy, inconel, alloy 20, 254 SMO, 6
Moly,tantalum, zirconium, uranus, 904L both in stock and can also
deliver against tight lead times.
Aluminium bronze is a type of bronze in which aluminium is the main alloying metal added to copper . A variety of aluminium bronzes of differing compositions have found industrial use, with most ranging from 5% to 11% aluminium by weight, the remaining mass being copper; other alloying agents such as iron, nickel, manganese, and silicon are also sometimes added to aluminium bronzes. Aluminium bronze is a type of bronze in which aluminium is the main alloying metal added to copper . A variety of aluminium bronzes of differing compositions have found industrial use, with most ranging from 5% to 11% aluminium by weight, the remaining mass being copper; other alloying agents such as iron, nickel, manganese, and silicon are also sometimes added to aluminium bronzes.
Compositions
The following table lists the most common standard
aluminium bronze wrought alloy compositions, by ISO 428 designations.
The percentages show the proportional composition of the alloy by
weight. Copper is the remainder by weight and is not listed:
Alloy
Aluminium
Iron
Nickel
Manganese
Zinc
Arsenic
CuAl5
4.0% – 6.5%
0.5% max
0.8% max
0.5% max
0.5% max
0.4% max
CuAl8
7.0% – 9.0%
0.5% max
0.8% max
0.5% max
0.5% max
CuAl8Fe3
6.5% – 8.5%
1.5% – 3.5%
1.0% max
0.8% max
0.5% max
CuAl9Mn2
8.0% – 10.0%
1.5% max
0.8% max
1.5% – 3.0%
0.5% max
CuAl10Fe3
8.5% – 11.0%
2.0% – 4.0%
1.0% max
2.0% max
0.5% max
CuAl10Fe5Ni5
8.5% – 11.5%
2.0% – 6.0%
4.0% – 6.0%
2.0% max
0.5% max
Material properties
Aluminium bronzes are most valued for their higher
strength and corrosion resistance as compared to other bronze alloys.
These alloys are tarnish -resistant and show low rates of corrosion in
atmospheric conditions, low oxidation rates at high temperatures, and
low reactivity with sulfurous compounds and other exhaust products of
combustion . They are also resistant to corrosion in sea water .
Aluminium bronzes’ resistance to corrosion rests in the aluminium
component of the alloys, which reacts with atmospheric oxygen to form a
thin, tough surface layer of alumina (aluminium oxide) which acts as a
barrier to corrosion of the copper-rich alloy.
Another notable property of aluminium bronzes are
their biostatic effects. The copper component of the alloy prevents
colonization by marine organisms including algae , lichens , barnacles ,
and mussels , and therefore can be preferable to stainless steel or
other non-cupric alloys in applications where such colonization would be
unwanted. Aluminium bronzes tend to have a golden color.
Applications
Aluminium bronzes are most commonly used in
applications where their resistance to corrosion makes them preferable
to other engineering materials. These applications include plain
bearings and landing gear components on aircraft , engine components
(especially for seagoing ships), underwater fastenings in naval
architecture , and ship propellers . The attractive gold-toned
coloration of aluminium bronzes has also led to their use in jewelry.
Aluminium bronzes are in the highest demand from the following industries and areas:
General sea water-related service
Water supply
Oil and petrochemical industries eg tools for use in non-sparking environments
