Description

The symbol material of Déco and rationalist architecture. Brass is not just a 'golden metal', but a sophisticated engineering alloy that balances copper's malleability with zinc's rigidity, enabling ultra-thin profiles impossible to achieve in aluminium.

01Metallurgy: Copper and Zinc

Brass is a substitutional alloy: in the crystalline lattice of pure copper, zinc atoms (up to 40%) take copper's place. The standard architectural alloy (Muntz Metal 60/40) lowers the melting point for complex extrusion, dramatically increases tensile strength and hardness versus pure copper, and lightens the reddish colour to the classic golden hue.

02Natural Oxidation and Burnishing

Uncoated brass reacts with oxygen, humidity and atmospheric sulphides, forming a compact natural protective patina that seals the core metal — unlike iron rust which flakes off. Contemporary architecture exploits factory-accelerated chemical burnishing with acid baths to instantly achieve dark bronze or flat black finishes, extremely resistant to scratches in high-traffic areas.

Technical identity

Standards

European and international references applicable.

EN 12164 (Barre e profili Cu/leghe)EN 12165 (Ottone da lavorazione)ISO 1836 (Leghe di rame per estrusione)

Physical properties

Melting point (60/40 alloy)900 – 940 °C
Elastic modulus (E)100 – 110 GPa
Thermal conductivity~ 120 W/mK
Electrical resistivity6.2 × 10⁻⁸ Ω·m

Usage environment

The Oligodynamic Effect: uncoated brass releases Cu²⁺ ions that destroy the cell membrane of bacteria, viruses and fungi (including MRSA) within hours. It is the only structural material EPA-certified for handrails and door handles in hospitals. WARNING: in marine or chlorinated environments, use Naval Brass or bronze to prevent dezincification.

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