Effect of Ge on oxidation behavior of 60% Cu – 40% Zn Muntz metal

Abstract

Copper–base alloys are widely used in Marine industries and heat exchangers. Muntz Metal 60% Cu – 40% Zn is one of the critical Cu alloys used in decoration, tubing for heat exchangers, and Marine environments, but it is subject to dezincification and stress–correction cracking. This study employed alloying elements (Al, Sn, Ge) to achieve their properties (oxidation behavior, thermal shock resistance, mechanical and corrosion resistance). All results confirmed that an enhancement in properties, Ge, plays an essential role in this enhancement due to the formation of protective non-pours oxide layers from GeO2 and AL2O3 layers. Also, adding (Sn) made the alloy's microstructure very fine. These elements improve hardness and reduce corrosion rate by 83%, while in the oxidation test, the reduction in specific weight change was equal to 99%. Also, a significant improvement in thermal shock resistance concerning the reference sample was achieved.