Bronze is one of the earliest metals known to man.

It is defined as an alloy made

ofcopper and another metal, usually tin. Compositions vary, but most modern
bronze is 88% copper and 12% tin. Bronze may also contain manganese,
aluminum, nickel, phosphorus, silicon, arsenic, or zinc. Although, at one time,
bronze was any alloy consisting of copper with tin and brass was an alloy of
copper with zinc, modern usage has blurred the lines between brass and bronze.

Now, copper alloys generally are called brass, with bronze sometimes
considered a type of brass. To avoid confusion, museums and historical texts
typically use the inclusive term "copper alloy." In science and engineering, bronze
and brass are defined according to their element composition.

Bronze Properties

Bronze usually is a golden hard, brittle metal. The properties depend on the
specific composition of the alloy as well as how it has been processed. Here are
some typical characteristics:

 Highly ductile.
 Bronze exhibits low friction against other metals.
 Many bronze alloys display the unusual property of expanding a small
amount when solidifying from a liquid into a solid. For sculpture casting, this
is desirable, as it helps to fill a mold.
 Brittle, but less so than cast iron.
 Upon exposure to air, bronze oxidizes, but only on its outer layer. This
patina consists of copper oxide, which eventually becomes copper
carbonate. The oxide layer protects the interior metal from further corrosion.
However, if chlorides are present (as from sea water), copper chlorides
form, which can cause "bronze disease" -- a condition in which corrosion
works through the metal and destroys it.

 Unlike steel, striking bronze against a hard surface won't generate sparks.
This makes bronze useful for metal used around flammable or explosive
materials.
 Brass is an alloy made primarily of copper and zinc. The proportions of the
copper and zinc are varied to yield many different kinds of brass. Basic modern
brass is 67% copper and 33% zinc. However, the amount of copper may range
from 55% to 95% by weight, with the amount of zinc varying from 5% to 40%.

Lead commonly is added to brass at a concentration of around 2%. The lead

addition improves the machinability of brass.

However, significant lead leaching often occurs, even in brass that contains a
relatively low overall concentration of lead.

Uses of brass include musical instruments, firearm cartridge casing, radiators,

architectural trim, pipes and tubing, screws, and decorative items.

Brass Properties

 Brass often has a bright gold appearance, however, it can also be

reddish-gold in color or silvery-white. A higher percentage of copper yields a
rosy tone, while more zinc makes the alloy appear silver.
 Brass has a higher malleability than either bronze or zinc.
 Brass has desirable acoustic properties appropriate for use in musical
instruments.
 The metal exhibits low friction.
 Brass is a soft metal that may be used in cases when a low chance of
sparking is necessary.
 The alloy has a relatively low melting point.
 It's a good conductor of heat.
 Brass resists corrosion, including galvanic corrosion from salt water.

 Brass is easy to cast.

 Brass is not ferromagnetic. Among other things, this makes it easier to
separate from other metals for recycling.
Brass vs. Bronze

Brass and bronze may appear similar, yet they are two distinct alloys. Here's a
comparison between them:

Brass
CompositionAlloy of copper and zinc.
Commonly contains lead. May
include iron, manganese,
aluminum, silicon, or other
elements.
Color Golden yellow, reddish gold, or
silver.
Properties More malleable than copper or
zinc. Not as hard as steel.
Corrosion resistant. Exposure to Corrosion resistant. Brittle, hard,
ammonia may produce stress
cracking. Low melting point.
Uses Musical instruments, plumbing,
decoration, low-friction
applications (e.g., valves, locks), reflectors, ship fittings,
tools and fittings used around
explosives.
History Brass dates back to around 500
B.C.E.
Bronze
Alloy of copper, usually with tin,
but sometimes other elements,
including manganese,
phosphorus, silicon, and
aluminum.
Usually reddish brown and not as
bright as brass.
Better conductor of heat and
electricity than many steels.
resists fatigue. Usually a slightly
higher melting point than brass.
Bronze sculpture, bells and
cymbals, mirrors and
submerged parts, springs,
electrical connectors.
Bronze is an older alloy, dating
back to about 3500 B.C.E.