Abstract Scope |
The use of Brasses & Bronzes is subtly astounding, ranging from the keys in your pocket, zippers on your clothes, hinges, handle and lock mechanism of your front door, plumbing and electronic hardware, bearings, munitions and world coin currencies - arguably one of the most versatile alloy families known. Lead-containing brasses have been a key industry-enabling material due to their excellent castability, machinability, workability, low-friction properties and nobility. However, the brass industry is on the cusp of historic change. Widespread lead contamination in drinking water has escalated leaded brass to a global issue, with new legislation in the USA, Canada and Europe restricting lead-content in key brass grades, creating an immediate need to meet associated health and industry demands. The development of multi-component high entropy brasses has created new metallurgical avenues to address these problems. Here we report the most significant developments in this space over the last 5 years. |