copper alloy

Abstract

Copper-nickel alloys have areas of use, including heat extractors and radiators where good thermal conductivity is desired, and marine environments where corrosion resistance is desirable. However, such alloys can be expensive to manufacture and difficult to process. In this regard, there is a need for new alloys with improved mechanical properties. It would also be advantageous to reduce certain costs associated with alloy production. The alloy comprises or consists of 40 to 62.5 atomic percent copper, 5 to 40 atomic percent manganese, up to 24 atomic percent nickel, 5 to 24 atomic percent zinc, and 1 to 15 atomic percent aluminum.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Field of Disclosure

[0001] The present invention generally relates to alloys, and more particularly to copper alloys.

Background Art

[0002] Background of Disclosure

[0002] Throughout this specification, no consideration of any prior art shall be deemed to admit that such prior art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the art.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003]

[0003] Copper-nickel alloys have applications in areas where good thermal conductivity is desired, such as heat pumps and radiators, and where corrosion resistance is desired, such as in marine environments. However, such alloys can be costly to manufacture and may be difficult to process. In this regard, there is a need for new alloys with improved mechanical properties. It would also be advantageous to reduce certain costs associated with the production of the alloys.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] Summary of Disclosure

[0004] In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides an alloy comprising or consisting of 40 to 62.5 atomic percent copper, 5 to 40 atomic percent manganese, up to 24 atomic percent nickel, 5 to 24 atomic percent zinc, and 1 to 15 atomic percent aluminum.

[0005]

[0005] In some examples, the alloy comprises or consists of 40 to 62.5 atomic percent copper, 5 to 40 atomic percent manganese, 1 to 24 atomic percent nickel, 5 to 24 atomic percent zinc, and 1 to 15 atomic percent aluminum.

[0006]

[0006] In some examples, the alloy contains or consists of 40 to 62.5 atomic percent copper, 8 to 40 atomic percent manganese, 1 to 24 atomic percent nickel, 5 to 24 atomic percent zinc, and 1 to 15 atomic percent aluminum.

[0007]

[0007] In some examples, the alloy contains or consists of 40 to 62.5 atomic percent copper, 8 to 40 atomic percent manganese, 1 to 8 atomic percent nickel, 5 to 24 atomic percent zinc, and 1 to 15 atomic percent aluminum.

[0008]

[0008] In some examples, the alloy contains or consists of 40 to 62.5 atomic percent copper, 8 to 40 atomic percent manganese, 1 to 8 atomic percent nickel, 5 to 24 atomic percent zinc, and 1 to 8 atomic percent aluminum.

[0009]

[0009] In some examples, the alloy contains or consists of 40 to 62.5 atomic percent copper, 8 to 40 atomic percent manganese, 1 to 8 atomic percent nickel, 5 to 24 atomic percent zinc, and 1 to 5 atomic percent aluminum.

[0010]

[0010] In some examples, the alloy contains or consists of 45 to 62.5 atomic percent copper, 8 to 40 atomic percent manganese, 1 to 8 atomic percent nickel, 5 to 24 atomic percent zinc, and 1 to 5 atomic percent aluminum.

[0011]

[0011] In some examples, the alloy contains or consists of 45 to 60 atomic percent copper, 8 to 40 atomic percent manganese, 1 to 8 atomic percent nickel, 5 to 24 atomic percent zinc, and 1 to 5 atomic percent aluminum.

[0012]

[0012] In some examples, the alloy contains or consists of 45 to 60 atomic percent copper, 12.5 to 40 atomic percent manganese, 1 to 8 atomic percent nickel, 5 to 24 atomic percent zinc, and 1 to 5 atomic percent aluminum.

[0013]

[0013] In some examples, the alloy contains or consists of 45 to 60 atomic percent copper, 12.5 to 35 atomic percent manganese, 1 to 8 atomic percent nickel, 5 to 24 atomic percent zinc, and 1 to 5 atomic percent aluminum.

[0014]

[0014] In some examples, the alloy contains or consists of 45 to 60 atomic percent copper, 12.5 to 35 atomic percent manganese, 1 to 7 atomic percent nickel, 5 to 24 atomic percent zinc, and 1 to 5 atomic percent aluminum.

[0015]

[0015] In some examples, the alloy contains or consists of 45 to 60 atomic percent copper, 12.5 to 35 atomic percent manganese, 1 to 7 atomic percent nickel, 7.5 to 24 atomic percent zinc, and 1 to 5 atomic percent aluminum.

[0016]

[0016] In some examples, the alloy comprises or consists of 45 to 60 atomic percent copper, 12.5 to 35 atomic percent manganese, 1 to 7 atomic percent nickel, 7.5 to 20 atomic percent zinc, and 1 to 5 atomic percent aluminum.

[0017]

[0017] In some examples, the alloy contains or consists of 45 to 60 atomic percent copper, 12.5 to 35 atomic percent manganese, 3 to 5 atomic percent nickel, 12.5 to 20 atomic percent zinc, and 1 to 3 atomic percent aluminum.

[0018]

[0018] In some examples, the alloy comprises or consists of 50 to 60 atomic percent copper, 12.5 to 35 atomic percent manganese, 1 to 7 atomic percent nickel, 7.5 to 20 atomic percent zinc, and 1 to 5 atomic percent aluminum.

[0019]

[0019] In some examples, the alloy contains or consists of 50 to 60 atomic percent copper, 15 to 35 atomic percent manganese, 1 to 7 atomic percent nickel, 7.5 to 20 atomic percent zinc, and 1 to 5 atomic percent aluminum.

[0020]

[0020] In some examples, the alloy contains or consists of 50 to 60 atomic percent copper, 15 to 22.5 atomic percent manganese, 1 to 7 atomic percent nickel, 7.5 to 20 atomic percent zinc, and 1 to 5 atomic percent aluminum.

[0021]

[0021] In some examples, the alloy contains or consists of 50 to 60 atomic percent copper, 15 to 22.5 atomic percent manganese, 1 to 5 atomic percent nickel, 7.5 to 20 atomic percent zinc, and 1 to 5 atomic percent aluminum.

[0022]

[0022] In some examples, the alloy contains or consists of 50 to 60 atomic percent copper, 15 to 22.5 atomic percent manganese, 1 to 5 atomic percent nickel, 15 to 20 atomic percent zinc, and 1 to 5 atomic percent aluminum.

[0023]

[0023] In some examples, the alloy contains or consists of 50 to 60 atomic percent copper, 15 to 22.5 atomic percent manganese, 1 to 5 atomic percent nickel, 15 to 20 atomic percent zinc, and 1 to 3 atomic percent aluminum.

[0024]

[0024] In some examples, the alloy comprises or consists of 50 to 60 atomic percent copper, 22.5 to 35 atomic percent manganese, 1 to 5 atomic percent nickel, 5 to 12.5 atomic percent zinc, and 1 to 3 atomic percent aluminum.

[0025]

[0025] In some examples, the alloy comprises or consists of 50 to 60 atomic percent copper, 22.5 to 35 atomic percent manganese, 1 to 5 atomic percent nickel, 7.5 to 12.5 atomic percent zinc, and 1 to 3 atomic percent aluminum.

[0026]

[0026] In some examples, the alloy comprises or consists of 40 to 62.5 atomic percent copper, 17 to 35 atomic percent manganese, 1 to 7 atomic percent nickel, 10 to 24 atomic percent zinc, and 1 to 5 atomic percent aluminum.

[0027]

[0027] In some examples, the alloy comprises or consists of 45 to 60 atomic percent copper, 17 to 35 atomic percent manganese, 1 to 5 atomic percent nickel, 10 to 20 atomic percent zinc, and 1 to 5 atomic percent aluminum.

[0028]

[0028] In some examples, the alloy comprises or consists of 50 to 60 atomic percent copper, 17 to 35 atomic percent manganese, 1 to 5 atomic percent nickel, 10 to 20 atomic percent zinc, and 1 to 5 atomic percent aluminum.

[0029]

[0029] In some examples, (3 × atomic percent of aluminum) + atomic percent of zinc + (0.2 × atomic percent of manganese) is 22.5% to 32.5%.

[0030]

[0030] In some examples, the atomic percent ratio of copper:nickel is at least 9.

[0031]

[0031] In some cases, the alloy has a fracture tensile strain of about 40% to 65%.

[0032]

[0032] In some cases, the alloy has an ultimate tensile strength of approximately 390 MPa to 575 MPa.

[0033]

[0033] In some cases, the alloy has an as-cast hardness of about 80-170 (H V ) has.

[0034]

[0034] In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides alloys comprising or consisting of 40 to 62.5 atomic percent copper, 5 to 40 atomic percent manganese, up to 24 atomic percent nickel, 5 to 24 atomic percent zinc, 1 to 15 atomic percent aluminum, up to 20 atomic percent of one or more elements selected from the group consisting of chromium, lead, bismuth, cobalt, iron, carbon, tin, silicon, and magnesium, and up to 1 atomic percent of one or more elements selected from the group consisting of arsenic, phosphorus, sulfur, and antimony.

[0035]

[0035] In some examples, the alloy contains or consists of 40 to 62.5 atomic percent copper, 5 to 40 atomic percent manganese, up to 24 atomic percent nickel, 5 to 24 atomic percent zinc, 1 to 15 atomic percent aluminum, up to 12 atomic percent of one or more elements selected from the group consisting of chromium, lead, bismuth, cobalt, iron, carbon, tin, silicon, and magnesium, and up to 1 atomic percent of one or more elements selected from the group consisting of arsenic, phosphorus, sulfur, and antimony.

[0036]

[0036] In some examples, the alloy contains or consists of 40 to 62.5 atomic percent copper, 5 to 40 atomic percent manganese, up to 24 atomic percent nickel, 5 to 24 atomic percent zinc, 1 to 15 atomic percent aluminum, up to 12 atomic percent chromium, lead, bismuth, cobalt, iron, carbon, tin, silicon, or magnesium, and up to 1 atomic percent of one or more elements selected from the group consisting of arsenic, phosphorus, sulfur, and antimony.

[0037]

[0037] In some examples, the alloy contains or consists of 40 to 62.5 atomic percent copper, 5 to 40 atomic percent manganese, up to 24 atomic percent nickel, 5 to 24 atomic percent zinc, 1 to 15 atomic percent aluminum, up to 7 atomic percent chromium, up to 8 atomic percent lead, up to 8 atomic percent bismuth, up to 8 atomic percent cobalt, up to 12 atomic percent iron, up to 8 atomic percent carbon, up to 8 atomic percent tin, up to 8 atomic percent silicon, up to 2 atomic percent magnesium, up to 0.5 atomic percent arsenic, up to 0.5 atomic percent phosphorus, up to 0.5 atomic percent sulfur, and up to 0.5 atomic percent antimony.

[0038]

[0038] In some examples, the alloy contains or consists of 40 to 62.5 atomic percent copper, 5 to 40 atomic percent manganese, up to 24 atomic percent nickel, 5 to 24 atomic percent zinc, 1 to 15 atomic percent aluminum, up to 5 atomic percent chromium, up to 5 atomic percent lead, up to 2 atomic percent bismuth, up to 8 atomic percent cobalt, up to 12 atomic percent iron, up to 4 atomic percent carbon, up to 2 atomic percent tin, up to 8 atomic percent silicon, up to 2 atomic percent magnesium, up to 0.3 atomic percent arsenic, up to 0.3 atomic percent phosphorus, up to 0.3 atomic percent sulfur, and up to 0.3 atomic percent antimony.

[0039]

[0039] In some examples, the alloy comprises or consists of 85 to 95 atomic percent of copper, manganese, nickel, zinc, and aluminum, and the remainder being one or more elements selected from the group consisting of chromium, lead, bismuth, cobalt, iron, carbon, tin, and silicon.

[0040]

[0040] In some examples, the alloy contains or comprises 40 to 62.5 atomic percent copper, 17 to 35 atomic percent manganese, 1 to 7 atomic percent nickel, 10 to 24 atomic percent zinc, 1 to 5 atomic percent aluminum, up to 20 atomic percent of one or more elements selected from the group consisting of chromium, lead, bismuth, cobalt, iron, carbon, tin, silicon, and magnesium, and up to 1 atomic percent of one or more elements selected from the group consisting of arsenic, phosphorus, sulfur, and antimony.

[0041]

[0041] In some examples, the alloy contains or consists of 45 to 60 atomic percent copper, 17 to 35 atomic percent manganese, 1 to 5 atomic percent nickel, 10 to 20 atomic percent zinc, 1 to 5 atomic percent aluminum, up to 20 atomic percent of one or more elements selected from the group consisting of chromium, lead, bismuth, cobalt, iron, carbon, tin, silicon, and magnesium, and up to 1 atomic percent of one or more elements selected from the group consisting of arsenic, phosphorus, sulfur, and antimony.

[0042]

[0042] In some examples, the alloy contains or consists of 50 to 60 atomic percent copper, 17 to 35 atomic percent manganese, 1 to 5 atomic percent nickel, 10 to 20 atomic percent zinc, 1 to 5 atomic percent aluminum, up to 20 atomic percent of one or more elements selected from the group consisting of chromium, lead, bismuth, cobalt, iron, carbon, tin, silicon, and magnesium, and up to 1 atomic percent of one or more elements selected from the group consisting of arsenic, phosphorus, sulfur, and antimony.

[0043]

[0043] In some cases, (3 × atomic percent of aluminum) + atomic percent of zinc + (0.2 × atomic percent of manganese) is between 22.5% and 32.5%.

[0044]

[0044] In some examples, the atomic percentage ratio of copper:nickel is at least 9.

[0045]

[0045] In some cases, the alloy has a fracture tensile strain of about 30% to 65%.

[0046]

[0046] In some examples, the alloy has an ultimate tensile strength of approximately 390 MPa to 575 MPa.

[0047]

[0047] In some cases, the alloy has an as-cast hardness of about 80-170 (H V ) has. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0048] Brief explanation of the drawing [Figure 1]

[0048] Engineering stress / strain curve of an alloy sample under tension. [Figure 2]

[0049] Engineering stress / strain curve of an alloy sample under tension. [Figure 3]

[0050] Side profiles of crushed Cu-Ni-Mn-Zn-Al tensile test specimens. From left to right: Cu60Ni5Mn15Zn17.5Al2.5, Cu60Ni5Mn12.5Zn20Al2.5, Cu57.5Ni5Mn17.5Zn17.5Al2.5, Cu57.5Ni5Mn15Zn20Al2.5, Cu55Ni5Mn20Zn17.5Al2.5, Cu55Ni5Mn17.5Zn20Al2.5, Cu52.5Ni5Mn22.5Zn17.5Al2.5, and Cu52.5Ni5Mn20Zn20Al2.5. [Figure 4]

[0051] Side profiles of crushed Cu-Ni-Mn-Zn-Al tensile test specimens. From left to right: Cu45Ni5Mn32.5Zn15Al2.5, Cu45Ni5Mn35Zn12.5Al2.5, Cu47.5Ni5Mn30Zn15Al2.5, Cu47.5Ni5Mn32.5Zn12.5Al2.5, Cu50Ni5Mn27.5Zn15Al2.5, Cu50Ni5Mn30Zn12.5Al2.5, Cu52.5Ni5Mn27.5Zn12.5Al2.5, and Cu52.5Ni5Mn25Zn15Al2.5. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0049] Detailed explanation

[0052] The term "approximately" is understood to mean a range of ±10%, preferably ±5%, ±1%, or more preferably ±0.1%.

[0050]

[0053] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise specifically required by context, the word “comprise” or its variations such as “comprises” or “includes” will be understood to mean encompassing the specified element, integer, or process, or group of elements, integers, or processes, but not to mean excluding any other element, integer, or process, or group of elements, integers, or processes. Therefore, in relation to this specification, the term “comprise” means “primarily include, but not necessarily only include.”

[0051]

[0054] Any numerical range listed herein is intended to include all subranges of the same numerical precision that are contained within the listed range. For example, the range 1.0 to 5.0 is intended to include all subranges between the listed minimum value of 1.0 and the listed maximum value of 5.0 (including both ends), i.e., subranges having a minimum value of 1.0 or greater and a maximum value of 5.0 or less, such as 2.1 to 4.5. Any maximum numerical limit listed herein is intended to include all lower numerical limits contained within it, and any minimum numerical limit listed herein is intended to include all higher numerical limits contained within it.

[0052]

[0055] This disclosure provides alloys comprising or consisting of 40 to 62.5 atomic percent copper, 5 to 40 atomic percent manganese, up to 24 atomic percent nickel, 5 to 24 atomic percent zinc, and 1 to 15 atomic percent aluminum. It will be understood that the alloys described herein may contain unavoidable impurities. Preferably, the amount of unavoidable impurities does not exceed 0.5 atomic percent, or more preferably 0.1 atomic percent, or more preferably 0.05 atomic percent.

[0053]

[0056] In certain examples, the disclosure provides alloys comprising or consisting of 42.5 to 65 atomic percent Cu, 10 to 40 atomic percent Mn, 0.5 to 8 atomic percent Ni, 5 to 24 atomic percent Zi, and 1 to 5 atomic percent Al. In certain examples, the disclosure provides alloys comprising or consisting of 44 to 64 atomic percent Cu, 8 to 40 atomic percent Mn, 1 to 8 atomic percent Ni, 6 to 20 atomic percent Zi, and 1 to 4 atomic percent Al. In certain examples, the disclosure provides alloys comprising or consisting of 42 to 62.5 atomic percent Cu, 8 to 40 atomic percent Mn, 1 to 8 atomic percent Ni, 6 to 20 atomic percent Zi, and 1 to 4 atomic percent Al. In certain examples, the disclosure provides alloys comprising or consisting of 42.5 to 65 atomic percent Cu, 8 to 40 atomic percent Mn, 1 to 5 atomic percent Ni, 6 to 20 atomic percent Zi, and 1 to 3 atomic percent Al. In certain examples, the disclosure provides alloys comprising or consisting of 47.5 to 62.5 atomic percent Cu, 8 to 40 atomic percent Mn, 1 to 6 atomic percent Ni, 6 to 15 atomic percent Zi, and 1 to 3 atomic percent Al. In certain examples, the disclosure provides alloys comprising or consisting of 47.5 to 65 atomic percent Cu, 8 to 40 atomic percent Mn, 1 to 6 atomic percent Ni, 6 to 13 atomic percent Zi, and 1 to 3 atomic percent Al. In certain examples, the present disclosure provides alloys comprising or consisting of 45 to 60 atomic percent Cu, 12.5 to 35 atomic percent Mn, 3 to 5 atomic percent Ni, 12.5 to 20 atomic percent Zi, and 2 to 3 atomic percent Al.

[0054]

[0057] In certain examples, the Disclosure provides an alloy comprising about 60 atomic% Cu, about 5 atomic% Ni, about 15 atomic% Mn, about 17.5 atomic% Zn, and about 2.5 atomic% Al. The Disclosure also provides an alloy comprising about 60 atomic% Cu, about 5 atomic% Ni, about 12.5 atomic% Mn, about 20 atomic% Zn, and about 2.5 atomic% Al. The Disclosure also provides an alloy comprising about 57.5 atomic% Cu, about 5 atomic% Ni, about 17.5 atomic% Mn, about 17.5 atomic% Zn, and about 2.5 atomic% Al. The Disclosure also provides an alloy comprising about 57.5 atomic% Cu, about 5 atomic% Ni, about 15 atomic% Mn, about 20 atomic% Zn, and about 2.5 atomic% Al. This disclosure also provides an alloy consisting of approximately 55 atomic% Cu, approximately 5 atomic% Ni, approximately 20 atomic% Mn, approximately 17.5 atomic% Zn, and approximately 2.5 atomic% Al. This disclosure also provides an alloy consisting of approximately 55 atomic% Cu, approximately 5 atomic% Ni, approximately 17.5 atomic% Mn, approximately 20 atomic% Zn, and approximately 2.5 atomic% Al. This disclosure also provides an alloy consisting of approximately 52.5 atomic% Cu, approximately 5 atomic% Ni, approximately 20 atomic% Mn, approximately 20 atomic% Zn, and approximately 2.5 atomic% Al. This disclosure also provides an alloy consisting of approximately 52.5 atomic% Cu, approximately 5 atomic% Ni, approximately 22.5 atomic% Mn, approximately 17.5 atomic% Zn, and approximately 2.5 atomic% Al. This disclosure also provides an alloy consisting of approximately 52.5 atomic% Cu, approximately 5 atomic% Ni, approximately 25 atomic% Mn, approximately 15 atomic% Zn, and approximately 2.5 atomic% Al. This disclosure also provides an alloy consisting of approximately 52.5 atomic% Cu, approximately 5 atomic% Ni, approximately 27.5 atomic% Mn, approximately 12.5 atomic% Zn, and approximately 2.5 atomic% Al. This disclosure also provides an alloy consisting of approximately 50 atomic% Cu, approximately 5 atomic% Ni, approximately 30 atomic% Mn, approximately 12.5 atomic% Zn, and approximately 2.5 atomic% Al. This disclosure also provides an alloy consisting of approximately 50 atomic% Cu, approximately 5 atomic% Ni, approximately 27.5 atomic% Mn, approximately 15 atomic% Zn, and approximately 2.5 atomic% Al. This disclosure also provides an alloy comprising approximately 47.5 atomic% Cu, approximately 5 atomic% Ni, approximately 30 atomic% Mn, approximately 15 atomic% Zn, and approximately 2.5 atomic% Al.This disclosure also provides an alloy consisting of approximately 47.5 atomic% Cu, approximately 5 atomic% Ni, approximately 32.5 atomic% Mn, approximately 12.5 atomic% Zn, and approximately 2.5 atomic% Al. This disclosure also provides an alloy consisting of approximately 45 atomic% Cu, approximately 5 atomic% Ni, approximately 32.5 atomic% Mn, approximately 15 atomic% Zn, and approximately 2.5 atomic% Al. This disclosure also provides an alloy consisting of approximately 45 atomic% Cu, approximately 5 atomic% Ni, approximately 35 atomic% Mn, approximately 12.5 atomic% Zn, and approximately 2.5 atomic% Al. This disclosure also provides an alloy consisting of approximately 59 atomic% Cu, approximately 3 atomic% Ni, approximately 15.5 atomic% Mn, approximately 20 atomic% Zn, and approximately 2.5 atomic% Al.

[0055]

[0058] In some examples, the disclosure provides alloys comprising or consisting of 5 to 40 atomic percent Mn, 1 to 24 atomic percent Ni, 5 to 24 atomic percent Zn, 1 to 15 atomic percent Al, and the remainder Cu. In some examples, the disclosure provides alloys comprising or consisting of 8 to 40 atomic percent Mn, 1 to 8 atomic percent Ni, 5 to 24 atomic percent Zn, 1 to 15 atomic percent Al, and the remainder Cu. In some examples, the disclosure provides alloys comprising or consisting of 8 to 40 atomic percent Mn, 1 to 8 atomic percent Ni, 5 to 24 atomic percent Zn, 1 to 5 atomic percent Al, and the remainder Cu. In some examples, the disclosure provides alloys comprising or consisting of 12.5 to 35 atomic percent Mn, 1 to 7 atomic percent Ni, 7.5 to 24 atomic percent Zn, 1 to 5 atomic percent Al, and the remainder Cu. In some examples, the disclosure provides alloys comprising or consisting of 12.5 to 35 atomic percent of Mn, 1 to 7 atomic percent of Ni, 7.5 to 20 atomic percent of Zn, 1 to 5 percent of Al, and the remainder being Cu. In some examples, the disclosure provides alloys comprising or consisting of 22.5 to 35 atomic percent of Mn, 1 to 5 atomic percent of Ni, 7.5 to 12.5 atomic percent of Zn, 1 to 3 atomic percent of Al, and the remainder being Cu. In some examples, the disclosure provides alloys comprising or consisting of 17 to 35 atomic percent of Mn, 1 to 8 atomic percent of Ni, 9.5 to 20 atomic percent of Zn, 0 to 5 atomic percent of Al, and the remainder being Cu. In some examples, the disclosure provides alloys comprising or consisting of 17 to 35 atomic percent Mn, 1 to 8 atomic percent Ni, 9.5 to 20 atomic percent Zn, 1 to 5 atomic percent Al, and the remainder Cu. In some examples, the disclosure provides alloys comprising or consisting of 17 to 35 atomic percent Mn, 1 to 8 atomic percent Ni, 9.5 to 15 atomic percent Zn, 1 to 5 atomic percent Al, and the remainder Cu. In some examples, the disclosure provides alloys comprising or consisting of 17 to 35 atomic percent Mn, 1 to 8 atomic percent Ni, 9.5 to 12.5 atomic percent Zn, 1 to 5 atomic percent Al, and the remainder Cu. In some examples, the present disclosure provides alloys comprising or consisting of 17 to 35 atomic percent of Mn, 1 to 8 atomic percent of Ni, 9.5 to 12.5 atomic percent of Zn, 1 to 3 atomic percent of Al, and the remainder being Cu.In some examples, the present disclosure provides alloys comprising or consisting of 17 to 35 atomic percent of Mn, 1 to 5 atomic percent of Ni, 9.5 to 12.5 atomic percent of Zn, 1 to 3 atomic percent of Al, and the remainder being Cu.

[0056]

[0059] In some examples, the disclosure provides alloys comprising or consisting of 40 to 62.5 atomic percent copper, 5 to 40 atomic percent manganese, up to 24 atomic percent nickel, 5 to 24 atomic percent zinc, 1 to 15 atomic percent aluminum, and up to 20 atomic percent of one or more elements selected from the group consisting of chromium, lead, bismuth, cobalt, iron, carbon, tin, silicon, and magnesium. In some examples, the disclosure provides alloys comprising or consisting of 40 to 62.5 atomic percent copper, 5 to 40 atomic percent manganese, up to 24 atomic percent nickel, 5 to 24 atomic percent zinc, 1 to 15 atomic percent aluminum, and up to 1 atomic percent of one or more elements selected from the group consisting of arsenic, phosphorus, sulfur, and antimony. In some examples, the disclosure provides alloys comprising or comprising 40 to 62.5 atomic percent copper, 5 to 40 atomic percent manganese, up to 24 atomic percent nickel, 5 to 24 atomic percent zinc, 1 to 15 atomic percent aluminum, up to 20 atomic percent of one or more elements selected from the group consisting of chromium, lead, bismuth, cobalt, iron, carbon, tin, silicon, and magnesium, and up to 1 atomic percent of one or more elements selected from the group consisting of arsenic, phosphorus, sulfur, and antimony. In such examples, it will be understood that the alloy may contain one or more of chromium, lead, bismuth, cobalt, iron, carbon, tin, silicon, and magnesium, as long as the total concentration of one or more elements does not exceed 20 atomic percent. Similarly, the alloy may contain one or more of arsenic, phosphorus, sulfur, and antimony, as long as the total concentration of one or more elements does not exceed 1 atomic percent. In certain examples, arsenic, phosphorus, sulfur, and antimony are present in amounts of approximately 0.5 atomic percent individually or approximately 0.7 atomic percent in total.

[0057]

[0060] In some examples, the disclosure provides alloys comprising or consisting of 40 to 62.5 atomic% Cu, 5 to 40 atomic% Mn, up to 24 atomic% Ni, 5 to 24 atomic% Zn, 1 to 15 atomic% Al, and up to 20 atomic% Cr. In some examples, the disclosure provides alloys comprising or consisting of 40 to 62.5 atomic% Cu, 5 to 40 atomic% Mn, up to 24 atomic% Ni, 5 to 24 atomic% Zn, 1 to 15 atomic% Al, and up to 20 atomic% Pb. In some examples, the disclosure provides alloys comprising or consisting of 40 to 62.5 atomic% Cu, 5 to 40 atomic% Mn, up to 24 atomic% Ni, 5 to 24 atomic% Zn, 1 to 15 atomic% Al, and up to 20 atomic% Bi. In some examples, the disclosure provides alloys comprising or consisting of 40 to 62.5 atomic% Cu, 5 to 40 atomic% Mn, up to 24 atomic% Ni, 5 to 24 atomic% Zn, 1 to 15 atomic% Al, and up to 20 atomic% Co. In some examples, the disclosure provides alloys comprising or consisting of 40 to 62.5 atomic% Cu, 5 to 40 atomic% Mn, up to 24 atomic% Ni, 5 to 24 atomic% Zn, 1 to 15 atomic% Al, and up to 20 atomic% Fe. In some examples, the disclosure provides alloys comprising or consisting of 40 to 62.5 atomic% Cu, 5 to 40 atomic% Mn, up to 24 atomic% Ni, 5 to 24 atomic% Zn, 1 to 15 atomic% Al, and up to 20 atomic% C. In some examples, the disclosure provides alloys comprising or consisting of 40 to 62.5 atomic% Cu, 5 to 40 atomic% Mn, up to 24 atomic% Ni, 5 to 24 atomic% Zn, 1 to 15 atomic% Al, and up to 20 atomic% Sn. In some examples, the disclosure provides alloys comprising or consisting of 40 to 62.5 atomic% Cu, 5 to 40 atomic% Mn, up to 24 atomic% Ni, 5 to 24 atomic% Zn, 1 to 15 atomic% Al, and up to 20 atomic% Si. In some examples, the disclosure provides alloys comprising or consisting of 40 to 62.5 atomic% Cu, 5 to 40 atomic% Mn, up to 24 atomic% Ni, 5 to 24 atomic% Zn, 1 to 15 atomic% Al, and up to 20 atomic% Mg.

[0058]

[0061] In some examples, the alloy contains 0-7 atomic percent chromium, for example 0-5 atomic percent chromium, 0.5-4.5 atomic percent chromium, 0.5-4 atomic percent chromium, 0.5-3.5 atomic percent chromium, 1-3.5 atomic percent chromium, 1-3 atomic percent chromium, 1.5-3 atomic percent chromium, or 1.5-2.5 atomic percent chromium. For example, an alloy may contain approximately 0.5 atomic%, 0.75 atomic%, 1 atomic%, 1.25 atomic%, 1.5 atomic%, 1.75 atomic%, 2 atomic%, 2.25 atomic%, 2.5 atomic%, 2.75 atomic%, 3 atomic%, 3.25 atomic%, 3.5 atomic%, 3.75 atomic%, 4 atomic%, 4.25 atomic%, 4.5 atomic%, 4.75 atomic%, 5 atomic%, 5.25 atomic%, 5.5 atomic%, 5.75 atomic%, 6 atomic%, 6.25 atomic%, 6.5 atomic%, 6.75 atomic%, or 7 atomic% chromium. In some examples, chromium is not present in the alloy (i.e., 0 atomic%). In some examples, the present disclosure provides alloys comprising or consisting of 40 to 62.5 atomic percent of Cu, 5 to 40 atomic percent of Mn, up to 24 atomic percent of Ni, 5 to 24 atomic percent of Zn, 1 to 15 atomic percent of Al, and 0 to 7 atomic percent of Cr, for example, 0.5 to 5 atomic percent of Cr.

[0059]

[0062] In some examples, the alloy contains 0-8 atomic percent lead, e.g., 0-6 atomic percent lead, 0.5-5.5 atomic percent lead, 0.5-5 atomic percent lead, 0.5-4.5 atomic percent lead, 1-4.5 atomic percent lead, 1-4 atomic percent lead, 1.5-3.5 atomic percent lead, or 1.5-3 atomic percent lead. For example, an alloy may contain approximately 0.5 atomic%, 0.75 atomic%, 1 atomic%, 1.25 atomic%, 1.5 atomic%, 1.75 atomic%, 2 atomic%, 2.25 atomic%, 2.5 atomic%, 2.75 atomic%, 3 atomic%, 3.25 atomic%, 3.5 atomic%, 3.75 atomic%, 4 atomic%, 4.25 atomic%, 4.5 atomic%, 4.75 atomic%, 5 atomic%, 5.25 atomic%, 5.5 atomic%, 5.75 atomic%, 6 atomic%, 6.25 atomic%, 6.5 atomic%, 6.75 atomic%, 7 atomic%, 7.25 atomic%, 7.5 atomic%, 7.75 atomic%, or 8 atomic% of lead. In some examples, lead is not present in the alloy (i.e., 0 atomic%). In some examples, the present disclosure provides alloys comprising or consisting of 40 to 62.5 atomic percent of Cu, 5 to 40 atomic percent of Mn, up to 24 atomic percent of Ni, 5 to 24 atomic percent of Zn, 1 to 15 atomic percent of Al, and 0 to 8 atomic percent of Pb, for example, 0.5 to 6 atomic percent of Pb.

[0060]

[0063] In some examples, the alloy contains 0-8 atomic percent bismuth, e.g., 0-5 atomic percent bismuth, 0.5-4.5 atomic percent bismuth, 0.5-4 atomic percent bismuth, 0.5-3.5 atomic percent bismuth, 1-3 atomic percent bismuth, 1-2.5 atomic percent bismuth, or 1.5-2.5 atomic percent bismuth. For example, the alloy may contain approximately 0.5 atomic%, 0.75 atomic%, 1 atomic%, 1.25 atomic%, 1.5 atomic%, 1.75 atomic%, 2 atomic%, 2.25 atomic%, 2.5 atomic%, 2.75 atomic%, 3 atomic%, 3.25 atomic%, 3.5 atomic%, 3.75 atomic%, 4 atomic%, 4.25 atomic%, 4.5 atomic%, 4.75 atomic%, 5 atomic%, 5.25 atomic%, 5.5 atomic%, 5.75 atomic%, 6 atomic%, 6.25 atomic%, 6.5 atomic%, 6.75 atomic%, 7 atomic%, 7.25 atomic%, 7.5 atomic%, 7.75 atomic%, or 8 atomic% bismuth. In some examples, the alloy contains less than 0.7 atomic percent of bismuth, e.g., less than 0.5 atomic percent of bismuth. In some examples, bismuth is not present in the alloy (i.e., 0 atomic percent). In some examples, the present disclosure provides alloys containing or comprising 40 to 62.5 atomic percent of Cu, 5 to 40 atomic percent of Mn, up to 24 atomic percent of Ni, 5 to 24 atomic percent of Zn, 1 to 15 atomic percent of Al, and 0 to 8 atomic percent of Bi, e.g., 0.2 to 2 atomic percent of Bi, e.g., about 0.55 atomic percent or about 0.6 atomic percent of Bi.

[0061]

[0064] In some examples, the alloy contains 0-8 atomic% cobalt, e.g., 0-6 atomic% cobalt, 0.5-5.5 atomic% cobalt, 0.5-5 atomic% cobalt, 0.5-4.5 atomic% cobalt, 1-4.5 atomic% cobalt, 1-4 atomic% cobalt, 1.5-3.5 atomic% cobalt, or 1.5-3 atomic% cobalt. For example, an alloy may contain approximately 0.5 atomic%, 0.75 atomic%, 1 atomic%, 1.25 atomic%, 1.5 atomic%, 1.75 atomic%, 2 atomic%, 2.25 atomic%, 2.5 atomic%, 2.75 atomic%, 3 atomic%, 3.25 atomic%, 3.5 atomic%, 3.75 atomic%, 4 atomic%, 4.25 atomic%, 4.5 atomic%, 4.75 atomic%, 5 atomic%, 5.25 atomic%, 5.5 atomic%, 5.75 atomic%, 6 atomic%, 6.25 atomic%, 6.5 atomic%, 6.75 atomic%, 7 atomic%, 7.25 atomic%, 7.5 atomic%, 7.75 atomic%, or 8 atomic% cobalt. In some examples, cobalt is not present in the alloy (i.e., 0 atomic%). In some examples, the present disclosure provides alloys comprising or consisting of 40 to 62.5 atomic percent of Cu, 5 to 40 atomic percent of Mn, up to 24 atomic percent of Ni, 5 to 24 atomic percent of Zn, 1 to 15 atomic percent of Al, and 0 to 8 atomic percent of Co, for example, 0.5 to 5 atomic percent of Co.

[0062]

[0065] In some examples, the alloy contains 0-12 atomic percent iron, e.g., 0-10 atomic percent iron, 0.5-9 atomic percent iron, 0.5-8 atomic percent iron, 0.5-7 atomic percent iron, 1-6.5 atomic percent iron, 1-6 atomic percent iron, 1.5-5.5 atomic percent iron, or 1.5-5 atomic percent iron. For example, alloys are approximately 0.5 atomic%, 0.75 atomic%, 1 atomic%, 1.25 atomic%, 1.5 atomic%, 1.75 atomic%, 2 atomic%, 2.25 atomic%, 2.5 atomic%, 2.75 atomic%, 3 atomic%, 3.25 atomic%, 3.5 atomic%, 3.75 atomic%, 4 atomic%, 4.25 atomic%, 4.5 atomic%, 4.75 atomic%, 5 atomic%, 5.25 atomic%, 5.5 atomic%, 5.75 atomic%, 6 atomic%, 6.25 atomic%, It may contain approximately 6.5 atomic%, 6.75 atomic%, 7 atomic%, 7.25 atomic%, 7.5 atomic%, 7.75 atomic%, 8 atomic%, 8.25 atomic%, 8.5 atomic%, 8.75 atomic%, 9 atomic%, 9.25 atomic%, 9.5 atomic%, 9.75 atomic%, 10 atomic%, 10.25 atomic%, 10.5 atomic%, 10.75 atomic%, 11 atomic%, 11.25 atomic%, 11.5 atomic%, 11.75 atomic%, or approximately 12 atomic% iron. In some examples, iron is not present in the alloy (i.e., 0 atomic%). In some examples, the present disclosure provides alloys comprising or consisting of 40 to 62.5 atomic% Cu, 5 to 40 atomic% Mn, up to 24 atomic% Ni, 5 to 24 atomic% Zn, 1 to 15 atomic% Al, and 0 to 12 atomic% Fe, for example, 0.5 to 7 atomic% Fe.

[0063]

[0066] In some examples, alloys contain 0-8 atomic% carbon, e.g., 0-6 atomic% carbon, 0.5-5.5 atomic% carbon, 1-5 atomic% carbon, 1.5-5 atomic% carbon, 1.5-5 atomic% carbon, 2-5 atomic% carbon, 2.5-5 atomic% carbon, or 3-5 atomic% carbon. For example, an alloy may contain approximately 0.5 atomic%, 0.75 atomic%, 1 atomic%, 1.25 atomic%, 1.5 atomic%, 1.75 atomic%, 2 atomic%, 2.25 atomic%, 2.5 atomic%, 2.75 atomic%, 3 atomic%, 3.25 atomic%, 3.5 atomic%, 3.75 atomic%, 4 atomic%, 4.25 atomic%, 4.5 atomic%, 4.75 atomic%, 5 atomic%, 5.25 atomic%, 5.5 atomic%, 5.75 atomic%, 6 atomic%, 6.25 atomic%, 6.5 atomic%, 6.75 atomic%, 7 atomic%, 7.25 atomic%, 7.5 atomic%, 7.75 atomic%, or 8 atomic% carbon. In some examples, the alloy contains less than 0.7 atomic percent of carbon, e.g., less than 0.5 atomic percent of carbon. In some examples, carbon is absent in the alloy (i.e., 0 atomic percent). In some examples, the present disclosure provides alloys containing or consisting of 40 to 62.5 atomic percent of Cu, 5 to 40 atomic percent of Mn, up to 24 atomic percent of Ni, 5 to 24 atomic percent of Zn, 1 to 15 atomic percent of Al, and 0 to 8 atomic percent of C, e.g., 0.5 to 5 atomic percent of C.

[0064]

[0067] In some examples, the alloy contains 0-20 atomic percent of tin, e.g., 0-10 atomic percent of tin, 0.5-8 atomic percent of tin, 0.5-4 atomic percent of tin, 0.5-3.5 atomic percent of tin, 1-3 atomic percent of tin, 1-2.5 atomic percent of tin, or 1.5-2.5 atomic percent of tin. For example, an alloy may contain approximately 0.5 atomic%, 0.75 atomic%, 1 atomic%, 1.25 atomic%, 1.5 atomic%, 1.75 atomic%, 2 atomic%, 2.25 atomic%, 2.5 atomic%, 2.75 atomic%, 3 atomic%, 3.25 atomic%, 3.5 atomic%, 3.75 atomic%, 4 atomic%, 4.25 atomic%, 4.5 atomic%, 4.75 atomic%, 5 atomic%, 5.25 atomic%, 5.5 atomic%, 5.75 atomic%, 6 atomic%, 6.25 atomic%, 6.5 atomic%, 6.75 atomic%, 7 atomic%, 7.25 atomic%, 7.5 atomic%, 7.75 atomic%, or 8 atomic% tin. In some examples, tin is not present in the alloy (i.e., 0 atomic%). In some examples, the present disclosure provides alloys comprising or consisting of 40 to 62.5 atomic percent of Cu, 5 to 40 atomic percent of Mn, up to 24 atomic percent of Ni, 5 to 24 atomic percent of Zn, 1 to 15 atomic percent of Al, and 0 to 20 atomic percent of Sn, for example, 0.5 to 9 atomic percent of Sn.

[0065]

[0068] In some examples, the alloy contains 0-8 atomic percent silicon, e.g., 0-6 atomic percent silicon, 0.5-5.5 atomic percent silicon, 0.5-5 atomic percent silicon, 0.5-4.5 atomic percent silicon, 1-4.5 atomic percent silicon, 1-4 atomic percent silicon, 1.5-3.5 atomic percent silicon, or 1.5-3 atomic percent silicon. For example, an alloy may contain approximately 0.5 atomic%, 0.75 atomic%, 1 atomic%, 1.25 atomic%, 1.5 atomic%, 1.75 atomic%, 2 atomic%, 2.25 atomic%, 2.5 atomic%, 2.75 atomic%, 3 atomic%, 3.25 atomic%, 3.5 atomic%, 3.75 atomic%, 4 atomic%, 4.25 atomic%, 4.5 atomic%, 4.75 atomic%, 5 atomic%, 5.25 atomic%, 5.5 atomic%, 5.75 atomic%, 6 atomic%, 6.25 atomic%, 6.5 atomic%, 6.75 atomic%, 7 atomic%, 7.25 atomic%, 7.5 atomic%, 7.75 atomic%, or 8 atomic% silicon. In some examples, silicon is not present in the alloy (i.e., 0 atomic%). In some examples, the present disclosure provides alloys comprising or consisting of 40 to 62.5 atomic percent of Cu, 5 to 40 atomic percent of Mn, up to 24 atomic percent of Ni, 5 to 24 atomic percent of Zn, 1 to 15 atomic percent of Al, and 0 to 8 atomic percent of Si, for example, 0.5 to 5 atomic percent of Si.

[0066]

[0069] In some examples, the alloy contains 0 to 2 atomic percent magnesium, e.g., 0 to 1.75 atomic percent magnesium, 0.25 to 1.75 atomic percent magnesium, 0.25 to 1.5 atomic percent magnesium, or 0.5 to 1.5 atomic percent magnesium. For example, the alloy may contain about 0.25 atomic percent, about 0.5 atomic percent, about 0.75 atomic percent, about 1 atomic percent, about 1.25 atomic percent, about 1.5 atomic percent, about 1.75 atomic percent, or about 2 atomic percent magnesium. In some examples, magnesium is not present in the alloy (i.e., 0 atomic percent). In some examples, the disclosure provides alloys containing or consisting of 40 to 62.5 atomic percent Cu, 5 to 40 atomic percent Mn, up to 24 atomic percent Ni, 5 to 24 atomic percent Zn, 1 to 15 atomic percent Al, and 0 to 2 atomic percent Mg, e.g., 0.2 to 1 atomic percent Mg.

[0067]

[0070] In some examples, the alloys of the present disclosure contain up to 1 atomic percent of one or more elements selected from the group consisting of arsenic, phosphorus, sulfur, and antimony. For example, the alloys of the present disclosure may contain about 0.1 atomic percent, about 0.2 atomic percent, about 0.3 atomic percent, about 0.4 atomic percent, about 0.5 atomic percent, about 0.6 atomic percent, about 0.7 atomic percent, about 0.8 atomic percent, about 0.9 atomic percent, or about 1 atomic percent of As. In some examples, the alloys may contain about 0.1 atomic percent, about 0.2 atomic percent, about 0.3 atomic percent, about 0.4 atomic percent, about 0.5 atomic percent, about 0.6 atomic percent, about 0.7 atomic percent, about 0.8 atomic percent, about 0.9 atomic percent, or about 1 atomic percent of P. In some examples, the alloy may contain about 0.1 atomic%, about 0.2 atomic%, about 0.3 atomic%, about 0.4 atomic%, about 0.5 atomic%, about 0.6 atomic%, about 0.7 atomic%, about 0.8 atomic%, about 0.9 atomic%, or about 1 atomic% of S. In some examples, the alloy may contain about 0.1 atomic%, about 0.2 atomic%, about 0.3 atomic%, about 0.4 atomic%, about 0.5 atomic%, about 0.6 atomic%, about 0.7 atomic%, about 0.8 atomic%, about 0.9 atomic%, or about 1 atomic% of Sb.

[0068]

[0071] In some examples, the Disclosure provides alloys comprising or consisting of 40 to 62.5 atomic percent copper, 5 to 40 atomic percent manganese, up to 24 atomic percent nickel, 5 to 24 atomic percent zinc, 1 to 15 atomic percent aluminum, and up to 0.5 atomic percent carbon or bismuth. In some examples, the Disclosure provides alloys comprising or consisting of 45 to 62.5 atomic percent copper, 8 to 40 atomic percent manganese, 1 to 8 atomic percent nickel, 5 to 24 atomic percent zinc, 1 to 5 atomic percent aluminum, up to 0.4 atomic percent carbon, and up to 0.4 atomic percent bismuth.

[0069]

[0072] Manganese, zinc, and aluminum generally reduce stacking fault energy in copper alloys. Of these three elements, aluminum is the strongest, reducing stacking fault energy by about 3 × Zn. Manganese provides a smaller reduction in stacking fault energy compared to zinc, generally about 0.2 × Zn. The alloys of this disclosure preferably contain manganese, zinc, and aluminum in amounts that impart stacking fault energy similar to that imparted by 22.5 to 35 atomic percent of zinc. In specific examples, the alloys of this disclosure contain aluminum, zinc, and manganese in the following amounts: (3 × atomic percentage of aluminum) + atomic percentage of zinc + (0.2 × atomic percentage of manganese) equals 22.5% to 35%. Alternatively, it can be expressed differently as follows: [(3 × Al atoms%) + (Zi atoms%) + (0.2 × Mn atoms%)] = 22.5 to 35 atoms.

[0070]

[0073] In some examples, (3 × atomic percent of aluminum) + atomic percent of zinc + (0.2 × atomic percent of manganese) is 22.5 atomic% to 35 atomic%, for example 23.5 atomic% to 32.5 atomic%, 24 atomic% to 31 atomic%, 24.5 atomic% to 30.5 atomic%, 25 atomic% to 30 atomic%, 25.5 atomic% to 29.5 atomic%, 26 atomic% to 29.5 atomic%, 26.5 atomic% to 29.5 atomic%, or 27 atomic% to 29 atomic%.

[0071]

[0074] The ductility of typical brass is primarily a result of mechanical twinning within its microstructure. The twinning ability of an alloy is directly related to its stacking fault energy. Alloys with low stacking fault energy generally twinn more easily and are more ductile than alloys with high stacking fault energy. Increasing the nickel content of a copper alloy typically increases the stacking fault energy of the alloy, thus increasing its strength and decreasing its ductility. This can be less desirable industrially because it requires more force to process the alloy into a given shape. The alloys of this disclosure preferably have more copper than nickel on an atomic percentage basis and are therefore more ductile and easier to process compared to high-nickel alloys. For example, in the alloys of the present disclosure, the atomic percentage ratio of copper:nickel may be at least 2, for example, at least 3 or at least 4, at least 4.5, at least 5, at least 5.5, at least 6, at least 6.5, at least 7, at least 7.5, at least 8, at least 8.5, at least 9, at least 9.5, at least 10, at least 10.5, at least 11, at least 11.5, at least 12, at least 12.5, at least 13, at least 13.5, at least 14, at least 14.5, at least 15, at least 15.5, at least 16, at least 16.5, at least 17, at least 17.5, at least 18, at least 18.5, at least 19 or at least 19.5.

[0072]

[0075] Copper is also known to have high antimicrobial properties in certain regions or environments. Therefore, the alloys of this disclosure can be applied to situations where microbial resistance is desired. For example, the alloys described herein can be used in the manufacture of autoclaves, doorknobs, cookware, or food containers.

[0073]

[0076] The alloys described herein are preferably low-sparking or non-sparking, i.e., they do not easily spark during mechanical impact, cutting with metal tools, or grinding / grinding, thus making them safe for use in volatile environments.

[0074]

[0077] Although present in lower levels compared to copper, nickel in this alloy can impart corrosion resistance and increase the solubility of manganese and copper. Furthermore, nickel can prevent dezincification of the alloy during use. Dezincification occurs when zinc atoms migrate to grain boundaries and surfaces, locally enriching these areas with zinc and causing localized corrosion and brittleness of the alloy.

[0075]

[0078] Microstructurally, the particular alloys of this disclosure may be primarily single-phase (alpha / face-centered cubic structure) or multi-phase, depending on their composition and the heat treatment they undergo.

[0076]

[0079] Certain alloys described herein may be hardened via a crystal structure ordering mechanism or a spinodal decomposition event when heat-treated at a moderate temperature over a long period of time.

[0077]

[0080] In certain examples, the alloys of the present disclosure have a fracture tensile strain of about 25% to 70%, for example, about 30% to 65%, or about 31% to 64%, or about 35% to 65%, or about 40% to 65%, or about 45% to 65%, or about 45% to 60%, or about 50% to 65%, or about 55% to 65%, or about 60% to 65%.

[0078]

[0081] In certain examples, the alloys of the present disclosure have an ultimate tensile strength of about 350 MPa to 600 MPa, for example, about 360 MPa to 600 MPa, or about 370 MPa to 600 MPa, or about 380 MPa to 600 MPa, or about 380 MPa to 590 MPa, or about 385 MPa to 590 MPa, or about 385 MPa to 585 MPa, or about 390 MPa to 585 MPa, or about 390 MPa to 580 MPa, or about 390 MPa to 575 MPa, or about 394 MPa to 572 MPa.

[0079]

[0082] In some examples, the alloys of the present disclosure range from about 70 to 190, for example, about 75 to 180, or about 80 to 170, or about 86 to 90, or about 83 to 89, or about 111 to 114, or about 94 to 103, about 135 to 137, or about 111 to 116, or about 133 to 137, or about 111 to 116, or about 133 to 137, or about 142 to 166. As-cast hardness (H) of approximately 120-126, approximately 120-150, approximately 125-155, approximately 130-160, approximately 130-165, approximately 105-127, approximately 122-139, approximately 129-139, approximately 150-166, approximately 130-137, approximately 135-150, approximately 130-140, or approximately 94-103. V ) has.

[0080]

[0083] The alloys of this disclosure may be cast or pressure-die-cast into final products (casting alloys) at relatively low temperatures, hot-forged, hot-rolled or hot-extruded into plates or rods / tubes, cold-rolled or cold-forged into plates, rods or tubes, and machined by deep drawing, turning, milling or metal cutting tools according to specifications. The alloys may be soldered, brazed or welded. The alloys may also be chromium or nickel-plated.

[0081]

[0084] The alloys of this disclosure may be used in general building fasteners and hardware, including door and window hinges, latches, doorknobs, door locks, knockers, keys, and decorative fasteners, as well as in mobile phone casings, bezels, badges and medals, decorative castings and statues. The alloys may also be suitable for use in zippers, hooks for clothing or luggage / travel bags, gears, gear drive shafts, solid slip bearings, munitions / cartridges or shell cases, ammunition, marine / ship applications, air-liquid / liquid / liquid heating / cooling radiators, piping, currency, clamps, fasteners, nuts, bolts, screws, washers, acoustic devices such as speakers, resonators, tuning forks and musical instruments (e.g., trumpets or trombones), electronic contacts, electrically conductive devices, circuit electronic couplings, hydraulic or pneumatic fluid transfer tube couplings or connectors (high or low pressure), hydraulic or pneumatic manifolds, switches, gates and non-sparking tools (e.g., for use in explosive environments). [Examples]

[0082] Examples

[0085] From the addition of nearly pure copper, zinc, and nickel, 40 cm 3 A Cu-Ni-Mn-Zn-Al alloy balance was prepared using the calculated final volume. Manganese was added using a commercially available 50 / 50 wt% copper-manganese master alloy. The alloy was prepared using the following two-step process. 1. Cu-Mn-Ni buttons were fabricated in a Buhler electric arc melting furnace via a copper-manganese master alloy and copper-nickel balanced cycle melting. Three repeated purgings of the melting chamber with high-purity argon were performed, followed by 10 using both a roughing pump and a turbo vacuum pump. -4A titanium getter argon atmosphere was created by evacuation to approximately mbar. During this process, the melting chamber was filled with high-purity argon to 60% of atmospheric pressure. Subsequently, the titanium getter was melted. Uniformity of the Cu-Ni-Mn button was obtained by first bringing it into direct contact with copper and then melting nickel shots (thus melting copper into molten nickel). A uniform Cu-Ni-Mn button was produced by repeated melting of the newly formed Cu-Ni alloy and subsequent melting of the Cu-Ni button into the Cu-Mn master alloy. 2. The final alloy was produced and zinc and aluminum were incorporated using an induction furnace. Zinc and aluminum were placed at the bottom of a boron nitride-coated graphite crucible, with a Cu-Ni-Mn button placed at the top to minimize zinc evaporation. The complete Cu-Ni-Mn-Zn-Al charge balance was melted in a circulating argon-rich environment within the induction furnace chamber. The complete charge balance was melted twice in the induction furnace. This was found to aid in uniformity. During the first alloying cycle, the charge balance was heated to 1100°C and held at that temperature for 2 minutes to ensure complete melting of all charge components. The alloyed ingot was then left to cool in the crucible, after which it was removed and mechanically cleaned / polished to a polished finish to remove any oxidation products. The ingot was inverted and remelted in an induction furnace, held again at 1100°C for 2 minutes, cooled to approximately 950°C, and then the liquid metal was poured (in air) into a copper mold measuring 16 mm wide, 100 mm long, and 50 mm deep.

[0083]

[0086] A casting (100mm x 16mm x 35mm) was divided into 50mm x 16mm x 35mm blocks. One half of the casting was used for metallographic examination and hardness testing of the as-cast structure. The remaining half of the casting was processed through hot rolling and heat treatment. The initial heat treatment of the as-cast structure was performed at 750°C for 2 hours (this heat treatment was found to completely dissolve the as-cast microstructure in the Cu-Ni-Mn-Zn-Al alloy). The sample was then hot-rolled transversely at 750°C from an initial thickness of 16mm to 8mm. The purpose of the hot-rolling process was to close any casting pores or defects, solidify the material, and refine and recrystallize the particle structure, essentially replicating industrial processing. During the hot-rolling process, the sample was periodically removed from the 750°C furnace and rolled in 0.25mm increments to its final thickness of 8mm. Following the hot rolling process, the sample was subjected to a final heat treatment at 750°C for 2 hours to produce the final processed alloy under hot rolling and annealing conditions. At this stage, the processed alloy billet had approximate dimensions of 8 mm × 35 mm × 90 mm. To produce tensile test specimens from the processed alloy material, an 8 mm × 8 mm × 62 mm strip was cut from the billet and machined into cylindrical tensile test specimens with a gauge diameter of 4 mm and a gauge length of 20 mm in accordance with ASTM E8M. Tensile tests were performed in accordance with ASTM A370 using an Instron tensile testing machine, laser extensometer, and associated computer and data logger. Measurement load and laser extensometer readings were recorded using Bluehill software. Representative engineering stress-strain data are provided in Figures 1 and 2, and characteristic mechanical properties are shown in Table 1. Side profiles of the alloy fractured under tension are shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0084]

[0087] Hardness testing was performed on suitably prepared sections taken from as-cast and processed samples. After suitable calibration of the semi-automatic machine with a 400HV test block, hardness testing was performed using a Struers duramen A300 hardness tester with a 1 kg load and a residence time of 5 seconds. A minimum hardness indentation of 20 was applied to each sample.

[0085] [Table 1]

[0086]

[0088] While the techniques described above in this embodiment may be suitable for laboratory-scale alloy production, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that other methods may be used, particularly for industrial-scale alloy production. For example, alloys may be produced by large-scale melting of all alloy components in an induction or resistance heating furnace until completely melted. This may involve alloying higher-melting-point components while gradually decreasing the melting temperature first when adding lower-melting-point components to avoid gas release of zinc and / or manganese. Additives, fluxes, or coke may be used to reduce oxygen, hydrogen, and other impurities in the molten material and to protect the molten surface from further oxidation or decomposition. The molten material may then be cast as an ingot. The ingot may then be cast directly into products or pressure die-cast. It is possible to continuously cast the alloy through a fixed-cross-sectional-area water-cooled graphite or copper or other metal nozzle to produce plates, bars, rods, or hollow section products. Alternatively, the molten material may be twin-roll strip-cast into sheet products. Next, the product can be homogenized at a temperature exceeding 700°C, hot-rolled, hot-extruded, hot-drawn, or forged to achieve the desired shape at a temperature exceeding 600°C. The product can then be cold-worked (rolled, extruded, forged, or drawn) and hardened by tempering or low-temperature annealing.

[0087]

[0089] While the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention can be embodied in many other forms.

Claims

1. 50 to 60 atomic percent copper; 15 to 22.5 atomic percent manganese; 1 to 7 atomic percent nickel; 7.5 to 20 atomic percent zinc; 1 to 5 atomic percent aluminum; 0 to 1 atomic percent of one or more elements selected from the group consisting of arsenic, phosphorus, sulfur, and antimony; Inevitable impurities, It consists of: (3 x atomic percent of aluminum) + atomic percent of zinc + (0.2 x atomic percent of manganese) is 22.5% to 32.5%; alloy.

2. 50 to 60 atomic percent copper; 15 to 22.5 atomic percent manganese; 1 to 5 atomic percent nickel; 7.5 to 20 atomic percent zinc; 1 to 5 atomic percent aluminum; 0 to 1 atomic percent of one or more elements selected from the group consisting of arsenic, phosphorus, sulfur, and antimony; Inevitable impurities, 2. The alloy of claim 1 , consisting of

3. 50 to 60 atomic percent copper; 15 to 22.5 atomic percent manganese; 1 to 5 atomic percent nickel; 15 to 20 atomic percent zinc; 1 to 5 atomic percent aluminum; 0 to 1 atomic percent of one or more elements selected from the group consisting of arsenic, phosphorus, sulfur, and antimony; Inevitable impurities, 3. The alloy of claim 1 or 2, consisting of:

4. 50 to 60 atomic percent copper; 15 to 22.5 atomic percent manganese; 1 to 5 atomic percent nickel; 15 to 20 atomic percent zinc; 1 to 3 atomic percent aluminum; 0 to 1 atomic percent of one or more elements selected from the group consisting of arsenic, phosphorus, sulfur, and antimony; Inevitable impurities, The alloy according to any one of claims 1 to 3, consisting essentially of

5. The atomic percentage ratio of copper:nickel is at least 9; The alloy according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. Having a tensile break strain of 40% to 65%, The alloy according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. Having an ultimate tensile strength of 390 MPa to 575 MPa. The alloy according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. Having an as-cast hardness (HV) of 80 to 170, The alloy of any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. Cu ５７．５ Ni ５ Mn １７．５ Zn １７．５ Al ２．５ である、 2. The alloy of claim 1.

10. Cu ５７．５ Ni ５ Mn １５ Zn ２０ Al ２．５ である、 2. The alloy of claim 1.

11. A method for producing a semiconductor device comprising: 15 to 22.5 atomic percent manganese; 1 to 7 atomic percent nickel; 7.5 to 20 atomic percent zinc; 1 to 5 atomic percent aluminum; It consists of: (3 x atomic percent of aluminum) + atomic percent of zinc + (0.2 x atomic percent of manganese) is 22.5% to 32.5%; alloy.

12. A method for producing a semiconductor device comprising: 15 to 22.5 atomic percent manganese; 1 to 7 atomic percent nickel; 7.5 to 20 atomic percent zinc; 1 to 5 atomic percent aluminum; Inevitable impurities, It consists of: (3 x atomic percent of aluminum) + atomic percent of zinc + (0.2 x atomic percent of manganese) is 22.5% to 32.5%; alloy.

13. A method for producing a semiconductor device comprising: 15 to 22.5 atomic percent manganese; 1 to 7 atomic percent nickel; 7.5 to 20 atomic percent zinc; 1 to 5 atomic percent aluminum; 0 to 1 atomic percent of one or more elements selected from the group consisting of arsenic, phosphorus, sulfur, and antimony; It consists of: (3 x atomic percent of aluminum) + atomic percent of zinc + (0.2 x atomic percent of manganese) is 22.5% to 32.5%; alloy.

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