Yellow brass

Description

Yellow Brass is an alloy of Copper and Zinc in which the zinc content ranges from 20 to 38%. In this range the brass has a distinct yellow color; lower concentrations of zinc give the alloy a redder appearance while higher concentrations of zinc make it appear whiter. Yellow brass has excellent corrosion resistance and is often used for decorative purposes. It is also used for architectural grillwork, electrical fixtures, locks, and hardware. Some yellow brasses, such as yellow casting brass (ASTM alloy no.6), contain a few percent of lead (4%) and tin (2%) (Brady 1971).

Synonyms and Related Terms

laiton jaune (Fr.); Messing (Deut.); latão amarelo (Port.)

Resources and Citations

• G.S.Brady, Materials Handbook, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1971 Comment: p. 397

• Van Nostrand's Scientific Encyclopedia, Douglas M. Considine (ed.), Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 1976