Difference Between Copper and Bronze
Key Difference – Copper vs Bronze
Many differences can be observed between Copper and Bronze based on their composition, usage, and properties. Copper is a pure chemical element and a natural mineral that can be found mainly in the earth’s crust and water in smaller quantities. In contrast, bronze is an alloy which contains copper as the main constituent with tin and some other metal and non-metal compounds. Bronze alloys have a range of various types, with different compositions; so that different alloys have different properties and applications. Copper is an excellent electrical and thermal conductor. It also has numerous applications in various fields. However, the key difference between copper and bronze is, Copper is a pure chemical element as well as a natural mineral whereas bronze is a metal alloy.
Difference Between Copper and Bronze
What is the difference between Copper and Bronze?
Composition of Copper and Bronze
Copper: Copper is naturally present in the earth’s crust as a mineral at a concentration of 50 ppm. The primary source of copper is Copper iron sulfide (CuFeS2), which is also known as chalcopyrite. But, it exists in pure form as a natural mineral without combining with other elements; it is called “native copper.” There are 29 isotopes of copper, and only two types (63Cu and 65Cu) are stable and the other isotopes are radioactive.
Bronze: Bronze is a metal alloy containing copper (Cu) as the central element and Tin (Sn) is the second important element. Their percentages vary depending on the required properties, but most commonly, it has about 12% of tin and 88% of Copper. Their percentages slightly vary when other metals and non-metals compounds are added.
There are so many different bronze alloys, and they possess different properties according to their usage.
Commercial bronze: Copper (90%), Zinc (10%)
Architectural bronze: Copper (57%), Zinc (40%), Lead (3%)
Plastic bronze: Contains a significant amount of Lead (Pb) to improve plastic properties.
Phosphor Bronze (or Tin Bronze): Copper, Tin ( 0.5% to 1.0%), phosphorous (0.01% to 0.35%).
Aluminum Bronze: Copper, Aluminum (6% – 12%), Iron (6% -max), Nickel (6% – max).
Silicon Bronze: Copper, Zinc (20%), silicon (6%).
Properties of Copper and Bronze
Copper: Copper have very high thermal and electrical properties. It is a soft and ductile metal, which can be easily soldered and brazed with other metals to produce alloys. In other words, it is durable, flexible and very hard to break or crack. It can bend, stretch or shape it into anything without cracking or damaging.
Bronze: Bronze alloys have various properties depending on its compositions. In general, It is harder than Copper, and it is also durable. Bronze cannot be easily flexed like copper.
Uses of Copper and Bronze
Copper: Copper has a wide range of uses in many areas; mainly in wiring, roofing and plumbing equipment due to its high electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, and durability. It is also used to produce coins, alloys, machine parts and in architecture. Only a small amount is used to produce nutritional supplements and fungicides.
Bronze: Bronze is widely used in many ships and boat parts and gears; because, bronze can withstand water, and it is resistance to seawater corrosion. In addition, it is used to produce medals and music instruments.
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