Arsenical copper

Arsenical copper contains up to 0.5% arsenic which, at elevated temperatures, imparts higher tensile strength and a reduced tendency to scaling. It is typically specified in boiler work, especially locomotive fireboxes.[1][2][3] It also helps prevent embrittlement of oxygen free copper by bismuth, antimony and lead by the formation of complex oxides. Copper with a larger percentage of arsenic is called arsenical bronze, which can be work-hardened much harder than copper.

Sculpted head of a dignitary from ancient Iran (c.2000 BC) in arsenical copper

See also

References
  1. Rollason, EC (1949). Metallurgy for Engineers (2nd ed.). London: Arnold.
  2. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2009-03-19. Retrieved 2010-01-21.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)


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