In the mid-1800’s Englishman Frederick Muntz pioneered an alloying procedure that developed a metal that is more resistant to marine environments. Now recognized as Muntz Metal, this variant is denoted by modern international standards as Alloy C280. The composition of this metal is 60% copper and 40% zinc, with slight traces of iron.
Where Muntz Metal Is Used
This alloy has been observed to hold up excellently against marine wear and tear. It is used for the cladding of hulls or bottoms of boats. Being an alloy of copper, Muntz Metal is also categorized as a biocide, which stunts or prevents the growth of pests and other microorganisms. Specifically, shipworms or teredo worms are kept at bay, and they are unable to latch on to ship bottoms and cause the material to decay while at sea.
Dezincification of Brass
Being a type of brass, Muntz Metal may still be prone to corrosion or weakness if it’s it not properly cared for. Dezincification is often a problem that is encountered by people who work with brass materials, and this process involves the gradual loss of zinc from the alloy. As a result, copper gets left behind, making the material less robust than the original. This wearing off happens when the metal gets exposed to extreme acidity or alkalinity.
Knowing Your Metal Supplier
While there are many suppliers on the web who offer Muntz Metal and brass sales, not all of them give the same quality of service. Aside from finding the best materials, you should also be on the lookout for trusted metal suppliers who truly know their craft. They should have practically any dimension of copper, brass, or bronze to suit your needs. Plus, these metal suppliers must also employ sustainable practices for recycling scrap metal, helping clients get what they need at affordable prices, without impacting the environment.
Truly, Muntz Metal and its brass relatives hold a high significance in industry. They can be used for numerous design and fabrication projects, and their resistant properties can ensure that they will last for years to come. If you’re in search of excellent quality brass or other metals, be sure to reach out to a reputable and trusted supplier.
Sources
Standard Specification for Brass Plate, Sheet, Strip, And Rolled Bar, astm.org
Beware the Brass, proboat.com
