Editorial Technical Reference

High-Purity Copper-Zinc Master Alloy

This page explains how High-Purity Copper-Zinc Master Alloy is classified within Non-Ferrous Metal Production. Technical values and manufacturer relationships are research references; confirm the current specification and supplier evidence for each order.

Technical Definition & Core Assembly

This master alloy is a pre-alloyed material composed of high-purity copper and zinc in controlled ratios, designed as a foundational input for brass manufacturing.

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Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for High-Purity Copper-Zinc Master Alloy

Definition
This master alloy is a pre-alloyed material composed of high-purity copper and zinc in controlled ratios, designed as a foundational input for brass manufacturing. It is produced by melting and solidifying electrolytic copper and high-purity zinc to form a homogeneous alloy, which is then cast into ingots. The master alloy format ensures a consistent copper-zinc ratio, minimizing segregation and improving yield in downstream casting operations. When remelted with additional elements, it provides a reliable base for producing various brass alloys with specific mechanical and corrosion-resistant properties. The alloy is characterized by a copper content of 60–70 wt%, zinc content of 30–40 wt%, and a maximum impurity level of 0.05 ppm, as referenced in GB/T 5231. Its melting point ranges from 880–950°C, density from 8.4–8.7 g/cm³, and ingot dimensions are 500×100×50 mm, with a typical weight of 20–25 kg per ingot. Mechanical properties in the as-cast condition include tensile strength of 300–450 MPa, elongation of 20–40%, and Brinell hardness of 60–90 HB. Electrical conductivity is 25–35% IACS, thermal conductivity is 110–130 W/(m·K), and coefficient of thermal expansion is 18–20×10⁻⁶/K (20–100°C). These parameters are indicative and must be verified for specific applications. The master alloy is intended for use in non-ferrous metal production, particularly in brass foundries and secondary smelters. It serves as a primary raw material, reducing melting time and ensuring compositional consistency. For procurement, buyers should confirm that the actual product meets the required specifications and applicable standards with the supplier.
Working Principle
The master alloy is pre-melted and solidified to provide a controlled copper-zinc ratio. When remelted with additional elements, it ensures consistent brass composition, reduces melting time, and minimizes segregation. The pre-alloyed format improves yield in downstream casting by providing a homogeneous starting material.
Common Materials
Electrolytic Copper, High-Purity Zinc
Technical Parameters
ParameterTypical rangeNotes & selection driver
Copper ContentRequired60–70 %Weight percentage of copper in alloyGB/T 5231
Zinc ContentRequired30–40 %Weight percentage of zinc in alloyGB/T 5231
Impurity LevelRequired≤0.05 ppmMaximum total impurity concentrationGB/T 5231
Melting PointRequired880–950 °CLiquidus temperature of alloy
DensityRequired8.4–8.7 g/cm³Specific gravity of solid alloy
Ingot Size500×100×50 kgStandard weight per master alloy ingot
Tensile Strength300–450 MPaAs-cast conditionGB/T 5231
Elongation20–40 %As-cast conditionGB/T 5231
Hardness60–90 HBBrinell hardnessGB/T 231.1
Electrical Conductivity25–35 % IACSLower than pure copper due to zincGB/T 3048.2
Thermal Conductivity110–130 W/(m·K)At 20°C
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion18–20 10⁻⁶/K20–100°C
Weight per Ingot20–25 kgApproximate, based on size

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Components / BOM
  • Copper Matrix Part
    Primary metallic base providing conductivity and strength
    Material: High-purity electrolytic copper
  • Zinc Alloying Element Part
    Alloying component for brass formation and corrosion resistance
    Material: High-purity refined zinc
  • Trace Element Package Optional Part
    Controlled minor elements for specific brass properties
    Material: Various metallic additives

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Commonly used trade names and technical identifiers for High-Purity Copper-Zinc Master Alloy.

Industrial Ecosystem & Supply Chain Structure

Complementary Systems
Downstream Applications
Specialized Tooling

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Operational Limits
pressure: Atmospheric to 1.5 bar (for controlled atmosphere melting)
flow rate: N/A (solid master alloy addition)
other spec: Alloy composition: Cu 60-70%, Zn 30-40%, trace elements <0.5%
temperature: Melting range: 900-1100°C (1652-2012°F), Processing temp: 950-1050°C (1742-1922°F)
slurry concentration: N/A (solid form)
Media Compatibility
✓ Brass melting furnaces (induction/crucible) ✓ Continuous casting brass production lines ✓ Brass foundry operations with controlled atmosphere
Unsuitable: High-sulfur environments (causes hot shortness in brass)
Sizing Data Required
  • Required brass production volume (kg/month)
  • Target brass alloy composition (Cu/Zn ratio)
  • Melting furnace capacity and addition method

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Failure Mode & Root Cause
Selective leaching (dezincification)
Cause: Electrochemical corrosion in chloride-containing environments preferentially removes zinc from the alloy matrix, leaving porous copper structure vulnerable to mechanical failure.
Intergranular corrosion cracking
Cause: Precipitation of zinc-rich phases at grain boundaries during improper heat treatment or welding creates galvanic cells that initiate stress corrosion cracking along grain boundaries.
Maintenance Indicators
  • Visible reddish-brown powdery deposits (copper oxides) indicating active corrosion
  • Audible high-frequency pinging or cracking sounds during thermal cycling indicating micro-crack propagation
Engineering Tips
  • Implement cathodic protection with sacrificial zinc anodes in aqueous applications to prevent dezincification
  • Control cooling rates during heat treatment to maintain zinc in solid solution and avoid grain boundary precipitation

Indicative industry ranges for design and RFQ preparation. Confirm the exact figures and applicable standard with the manufacturer before specifying.

Compliance & Manufacturing Standards

Applicable Standards
ASTM B747 - Standard Specification for Copper-Zinc Alloy Plate, Sheet, Strip, and Rolled Bar ISO 1190-1 - Copper and copper alloys - Designation DIN 17660 - Copper-zinc alloys (brass) - Chemical composition and forms of wrought products

Quoted from the published standard.

Manufacturing Precision
  • Chemical composition: Cu +/- 0.5%, Zn +/- 0.3%
  • Dimensional tolerance: Thickness +/- 0.05mm for strip forms
Quality Inspection
  • Optical Emission Spectrometry (OES) for chemical composition verification
  • Metallographic examination for microstructure and homogeneity assessment

Manufacturers of High-Purity Copper-Zinc Master Alloy

Manufacturer profiles associated with High-Purity Copper-Zinc Master Alloy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical copper content of this master alloy?

The copper content is specified as 60–70 wt%, with zinc at 30–40 wt%, according to GB/T 5231. Always verify the exact composition with the supplier for your specific batch.

What are the mechanical properties in the as-cast condition?

In the as-cast condition, the tensile strength is 300–450 MPa, elongation is 20–40%, and Brinell hardness is 60–90 HB. These values are reference ranges and should be confirmed for the actual product.

What is the melting point of this alloy?

The liquidus temperature is 880–950°C. This range is indicative; verify with the manufacturer for the exact alloy composition.

How is this master alloy used in brass production?

It is remelted with additional elements to produce brass alloys with desired properties. The pre-alloyed format ensures consistent composition and reduces melting time, improving efficiency in casting operations.

Data Basis

Editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records.

Preliminary Technical Classification
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