4 Copper and Copper Alloys

Copper was among the first metals to be put into utilitarian service. The Unified Numbering System (UNS) is the accepted alloy designation system in North America for wrought and cast coppers and copper alloys. Identification is by five-digit numbers preceded by the letter C. Preferred marine alloys include copper nickels, which exhibit the highest corrosion and erosion resistance among copper metals, and also offer relatively high strengths, and aluminum bronzes, which are stronger still, as well as ultrahigh-strength beryllium copper, inhibited aluminum brass, phosphor bronzes, arsenical admiralty brass, and nickel silvers. Copper alloys that perform well in seawater are also often acceptable for use with industrial and process. Copper casting alloys are widely used in the manufacture of plumbing, electrical, and mechanical products and for bearings and industrial valves and fittings. Copper nickels, aluminum bronzes, silicon bronzes, manganese bronzes, and tin and phosphor bronzes should be considered for such environments. Keywords: copper alloys; marine alloys; Unified Numbering System (UNS)