Brass: When copper is alloyed zinc (60% copper, 40% zinc) is called brass. It is widely used as a current carrying and structural material in switches and plugs etc.
Properties:
1. Its electrical resistivity is 7.0*10-8 ohm-m, which is higher than the copper resistivity.
2. It is ductile and can be drawn into different shapes.
3. It melts at 8900C.
4. Its specific gravity is 3.3.
5. It is weld able and solder able and is fairly resistant to corrosion.
6. It is subjected to corrosion phenomenon called dezincification which involves selective loss to zinc from surface and results to reduction in mechanical strength.
7. These are susceptible to stress, corrosion, cracking.
Uses: Brass has gained wide application as a current carrying and structural material in plug-points, socket-outlets, switches, lamp holders, fuse holders, knife switches, sliding contacts for starters and rheostats, wave guide components etc.