Effect of alloying elements on mechanical behaviour of Cu-Zn-Sn bronzes

Abstract The effect of Fe, P and Mn on microstructure and fatigue properties of CuZnSn bronzes investigated with optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, hardness, tensile and fatigue tests. The addition of Fe, Mn and P to Cu-Zn-Sn bronzes formed Cu 31 Sn 8 , Cu 6 Sn 5 , ZnSn 2 , PbSnS 2 , ZnS, Cu 2 S, FeZn 9 and FeZn 21 phases. These phases were deposited between the dendrite arms and were dissolved in the matrix in small amounts. Especially, these precipitated phases were effective in fatigue properties. The formation of Cu-Sn, Cu-Zn and Zn-Sn intermetallic phases emitted due to the addition of Fe, Mn and P increased the fatigue strength. The spread of ferrous phases caused an increase in mechanical properties. The beneficial effect of P addition on the fatigue life far surpassed that of Mn and Fe additives.