C23000 brass (ASTM standard) is a high copper content brass alloy, also known as "red brass" or "low zinc brass". It has a copper content of about 84-86% and a zinc content of 14-16%, with a distinctive reddish-yellow appearance and well-balanced physical properties.
The following are the core properties and typical applications of C23000 brass rods:
1. Core properties
1.1 Chemical composition (ASTM B134 standard)
Element Content range (wt%) Function and influence
Copper (Cu) 84.0-86.0 Dominant material color (reddish yellow), provides excellent ductility and electrical conductivity, reduces risk of dezincification corrosion.
Zinc (Zn) 14.0-16.0 Regulates hardness and strength, softer and easier to work with at lower levels.
Lead (Pb) ≤0.05 Strictly limited to comply with environmental standards (RoHS), to avoid affecting hot workability.
Iron (Fe) ≤0.05 Trace impurities, excessive amounts will reduce corrosion resistance and electrical conductivity.
Other impurities ≤ 0.15 (total) including nickel, tin, phosphorus, etc., the total content should be strictly controlled to ensure stable performance.
1.2 Physical and mechanical properties
Color: reddish yellow (close to purple copper), with metallic luster after polishing, suitable for decorative purposes.
Density: about 8.75 g/cm³.
Melting point: 900-940°C.
Conductivity: about 28% of pure copper, suitable for low-current conductive scenes.
Thermal conductivity: excellent, suitable for radiators and heat exchange components.
Hardness (HV): about 60-80 in annealed state, up to 120-150 after cold working.
Tensile strength: about 250-300 MPa in annealed state, elevated to 400-450 MPa after cold working.
Elongation: annealed state ≥45%, after cold working about 10-15% (high plasticity).
1.3 Corrosion resistance
General environment: good corrosion resistance in dry air, neutral water or oil.
Humid/corrosive environments:
Low zinc content, dezincification corrosion tendency is weaker than high zinc brass (e.g. C26000).
Avoid long-term contact with seawater, acidic media or chlorine-containing environments, otherwise surface treatment (e.g. nickel plating, painting) is required.
2 Main applications
2.1 Construction and decoration
Decorative hardware: door handles, lamp brackets, architectural inserts (red copper color is beautiful and oxidation resistant).
Artistic sculpture: outdoor sculpture substrate (need to be coated with antirust layer).
2.2 Electrical and electronic
Conductive components: plug contacts, connecting pieces (low-current scenarios).
Heat dissipation components: heat sinks, condensation tubes (thermal conductivity better than stainless steel).
2.3 Industrial Manufacturing
Cold pressed parts: shrapnel, gaskets, bellows (relies on high ductility).
Plumbing fittings: valves, pipe fittings (for fresh water systems).
2.4 Consumer Goods
Musical instrument parts: trumpet pistons, saxophone keys (good resonance properties).
Imitation gold products: medals, jewelry (lower cost than pure copper, easy to process details).
3. Machining and processing recommendations
Cold working: suitable for stamping, stretching, work hardening needs to be annealed (annealing temperature of 500-700 ℃).
Welding: recommended silver brazing or argon arc welding, to avoid the volatilization of zinc vapor (zinc boiling point of 907 ℃).
Surface treatment:
Chemical polishing: enhance the red copper color.
Electroplated nickel/chromium: to enhance wear and corrosion resistance.
Passivation: For outdoor environment to prevent oxidation.
4. Comparison with other brasses
Grade Copper content (%) Typical Characteristics Applicable Scenario Differences
C23000 84-86 High ductility, red copper color, medium strength Decorative parts, cold stamped parts, low current conductivity.
C26000 68-71 High strength, bright yellow color, fatigue resistant Springs, screws, highly loaded structural parts.
C22000 88-91 Closer to pure copper, excellent ductility Scenarios with high plasticity requirements (e.g. bullet casings).
H62 60-63 High strength, low cost, poor plasticity General-purpose structural parts such as valves and screws.
5. Notes
Environmental protection: lead content ≤ 0.05%, RoHS, REACH compliant, suitable for food contact scenarios (additional certification required).
Storage: Avoid contact with acidic or salt spray environments to prevent oxidation and discoloration.
