Aluminum Bronze
Aluminium-bronzes are a family of alloys based around Aluminium and Copper. A common mixture is 85% copper, 11% aluminium and 4% iron. They are highly corrosion resistant and have a higher strength than other bronzes.
Aluminium bronze is used in heat exchangers for sea-water cooled thermal power stations due to its resistance to sea-water. Aluminium bronze, unlike stainless steels, has a natural biostatic anti-biological effect. It prevents the attachment of algae, lichen, barnacles and mussels.
Bronzes of high strength are obtained by using aluminum, iron, manganese, silicon, and nickel as alloying elements. They retain high strength at high temperatures and are used in equipment operating above 500°F. A major use is in high-impact sliding surfaces in aircraft landing gear.
Aluminum bronze can be welded by means of a MIG welder with an aluminium bronze core and pure argon gas.
Applications
- Torpedo ejection systems for subs.
- In cleaning and treating metal parts, the pickling rods and baskets that suspend the parts in the chemicals are made of aluminum bronze.
- Aluminum bronze welding rods can bond with other bronzes and also steel.
- Chains in exposed positions.
- Ship propellers.
- Pumps that must resist acids.
- Valve seats and guides in internal combustion aircraft engines,
- Wear strips, bearings, bushings, and worm gears.
- Aircraft landing gear.