Lead-Free Brass Alloy

Abstract

The invention relates to brass alloys that are substantially lead-free. In the alloys of the invention, lead is replaced with tellurium resulting in alloys that exhibit excellent machinability and conductivity.

1 - 19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . A dezincification resistant brass alloy consisting essentially of:
 copper;   less than 15 wt. % zinc;   about 0.4 wt. % to about 0.6 wt. % tellurium; and   less than 0.25 wt. % lead,   wherein the tellurium creates discontinuities in the copper and zinc phases of the brass alloy thereby improving the machinability of the brass alloy.   
     
     
         21 . The dezincification resistant brass alloy of claim  1 , having about 0.5 wt. % tellurium. 
     
     
         22 . The dezincification resistant brass alloy of claim  2 , having:
 at least 85 wt. % to about 86.1 wt. % copper; and   about 13.5 wt. % to less than 15 wt. % zinc.   
     
     
         23 . The dezincification resistant brass alloy of claim  1 , wherein the brass alloy is silicon-free. 
     
     
         24 . The dezincification resistant brass alloy of claim  1 , having a tensile strength of about 300 MPa to about 400 MPa. 
     
     
         25 . The dezincification resistant brass alloy of claim  1 , having a yield strength of about 240 MPa to about 300 MPa. 
     
     
         26 . The dezincification resistant brass alloy of claim  1 , having a conductivity of about 28% to about 49% IACS.