Lead-free Cu-Zn Alloy for Aquaculture Wire
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing low-lead copper alloys used in aquaculture cages face challenges with corrosion resistance in watery environments and machining issues, leading to degradation and mechanical problems during manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A Cu-Zn alloy composition with 62-63% Cu, 0.18-0.24% Pb, 0.15-0.25% Sn, 0.03-0.08% Si, and 0.10-0.15% P, with Zn ranging from 36-38%, is developed to minimize beta phase formation and dezincification, enhancing machinability and corrosion resistance for wire production in aquaculture cages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If lead is added to copper-zinc alloy to improve machinability, then chip detachment and breaking improve, but environmental harm and health risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes lead from the copper-zinc alloy composition, reducing lead content to 0.02% or less by weight. This eliminates the harmful environmental and health effects of lead while maintaining alloy performance through alternative compositions and processing methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the alloy by precisely controlling the content of copper (63-67%), zinc (32-35%), and trace elements (锡 0.05-0.20%, 磷 0.01-0.05%, 铅 ≤0.02%). This parameter optimization maintains machinability without relying on high lead content.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If low-lead copper alloys are used to reduce environmental harm, then environmental safety improves, but corrosion resistance in watery environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the chemical composition parameters, specifically controlling copper content at 63-67%, zinc at 32-35%, and adding controlled amounts of tin (0.05-0.20%) and phosphorus (0.01-0.05%). This compositional parameter adjustment enhances corrosion resistance while maintaining low lead content (≤0.02%).
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite alloy system by combining copper, zinc, tin, and phosphorus in specific proportions. This multi-element composite structure provides synergistic effects that improve corrosion resistance in marine environments while maintaining environmental safety through low lead content.
3Strength
If beta phase is increased in copper-zinc alloy to improve strength, then mechanical strength improves, but dezincification resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the phase composition parameters by controlling the alloy composition to limit beta phase content to less than 5% by area ratio. The specific composition (Cu 63-67%, Zn 32-35%, Sn 0.05-0.20%, P 0.01-0.05%) promotes alpha phase formation, which provides both adequate strength and superior resistance to dezincification in marine environments.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a copper-zinc alloy with low lead content useful in the manufacture of wire used in the manufacture of cages for aquaculture, where said wire suffers the least deterioration due to loss of zinc during exposure to stagnant water, water of little movement or sea waters.