Low Lead Brass Alloy

Abstract

The present invention relates to a low lead brass alloy which ensures reduction of harmful to human health effects of lead that is useful for increasing machinability of brass raw material used in tapwares, valves and water meters, in the event of it's contact with water and which comprises less than 0.25% lead. The inventive brass alloy is an alloy which has machinability, is cost-efficient and environmentally friendly by means of its bismuth content.

1 . A low lead brass alloy used in all brass based products that contact with water such as tapware, valves and water meters
 comprising 55 to 65% copper (Cu), 0.1 to 1.0% aluminum, 5 to 10 ppm boron (B), other metals which are comprised of less than 0.1% iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), tin (Sn) by weight;   characterized by 0.5 to 2.0% bismuth (Bi), 0.05 to 0.30% mischmetal and less than 0.25% lead (Pb) by weight.   
     
     
         2 . A low lead brass alloy according to  claim 1 , characterized by mischmetal which is comprised of a mixture of 5 to 19% iron (Fe), 1 to 4% magnesium, 75 to 93% rare earth. 
     
     
         3 . A low lead brass alloy according to  claim 1 , characterized by mischmetal which is comprised of a mixture of 50% iron (Fe) and silicon (Si) and a mixture of 50% rare earth. 
     
     
         4 . A low lead brass alloy according to  claim 3 , characterized by rare earth which is comprised of a mixture of 49 to 59% cerium (Ce), 29 to 39% lanthanum (La), neodymium (Nd) between 0 to 10% and praseodymium (Pr) between 0 to 7%. 
     
     
         5 . A low lead brass alloy according to  claim 1 , characterized by mischmetal which is comprised of a mixture of 20 to 40% iron (Fe), 20 to 40% silicon (Si), 20 to 60% rare earth and a remaining amount of other elements. 
     
     
         6 . A low lead brass alloy according to  claim 5 , characterized by rare earth which is comprised of a mixture of 40 to 65% cerium (Ce) and 25 to 50% lanthanum (La).