Sheet · 1.2–3 mm
Metallic — indicative fig. M·74
Fire A1 Non-combustibleEmbodied carbon 2.70kgCO₂e/kg Medium–highCompressive 420MPa StructuralDesign life 50yr
Alpha-beta brass alloy (UNS C28000) containing 60% copper and 40% zinc with trace iron, originally developed for ship hull sheathing. Offers excellent hot workability, moderate corrosion resistance in marine environments, and inherent antifouling properties. Suitable for architectural applications, marine hardware, and decorative elements where golden-bronze appearance is desired.
01 Physical
Density 8400kg/m³
Specific gravity 8.4
Porosity 0%
Water absorption 0%
Hardness 70
UV resistance excellent
Chemical resistance good
pH tolerance 6-12.5
Surface roughness 0.8µm
02 Mechanical
Tensile strength 460MPa
Compressive strength 420MPa
Flexural strength 430MPa
Shear strength 310MPa
Poisson's ratio 0.31
Impact resistance 45
Creep resistance low
03 Thermal
Thermal conductivity 120W/m·K
Specific heat 390J/kg·K
Thermal expansion 21×10⁻⁶/°C
04 Compliance & Fire First question
Combustibility class A1
Fire resistance level non-combustible
Flame spread index 0
Smoke dev. index 0
Heat release rate 0
05 Sustainability & Health
Embodied carbon 2.7
Carbon footprint 4.5
Embodied energy 46MJ/kg
Water footprint 320L/kg
Recyclability 100%
Recycled content 30%
Renewable content 0%
Circular score 85
VOC emissions 0
Toxicity rating low
LEED contribution 2
06 Durability · Cost · Logistics
Expected lifespan 50
Maintenance interval 5
Warranty period 10
Material cost (range) $18-25
Material cost (per unit) $180-250
Lead time 2-6 weeks
Lifecycle cost $350-450
Annual maintenance $2-5
Market availability moderate
07 Assessment
Advantages
- Excellent antifouling properties preventing marine growth
- Good hot workability for forming and fabrication
- Attractive golden-bronze appearance
- Lower cost than pure copper (historically 2/3 price)
- High recyclability (75-90% scrap value retention)
- Forms protective patina requiring minimal maintenance
- Good machinability in annealed condition
- Moderate strength with duplex structure
- Non-combustible per NCC/BCA requirements
- Readily available in standard sheet sizes
- Can be welded and soldered effectively
- Develops attractive chocolate brown patina
Constraints
- Poor cold workability due to rapid work hardening
- Lower corrosion resistance than naval brass
- Susceptible to dezincification in seawater
- Must be hot-worked for significant forming
- Can cause galvanic corrosion with dissimilar metals
- Not suitable for ammonia-containing environments
- Higher zinc content reduces ductility
- Requires careful handling to prevent surface marking
- Limited availability compared to standard brasses
- May require special ordering for specific thicknesses
- Performance inferior to copper-nickel alloys at high velocities
- Lead content in some variants raises environmental concerns
08 Applications
A1 Ship hull sheathing and marine vessel protection
A2 Architectural cladding and facade panels
A3 Elevator interiors and decorative panels
A4 Marine hardware and boat fittings
A5 Pier pile sheathing in tropical waters
A6 Heat exchanger tubes and condenser plates
A7 Decorative interior design elements
A8 Coastal building components
A9 Bolts and fasteners for marine use
A10 Industrial valve and pump components
A11 Architectural trim and signage
A12 Heritage building restoration
09 Sources & Standards
Sources pending — citations for this material are not yet recorded. Verify all figures against manufacturer data and current standards before specifying.