Phosphor Bronze Sheet - Material Information

Phosphor bronze, a copper–tin alloy containing a small amount of phosphorus, is prized for its combination of strength, ductility, and excellent corrosion resistance. The alloy’s microstructure, comprising ?-phase copper solid solution and fine tin-rich precipitates, provides high fatigue resistance and wear durability. Phosphor bronze (Cu94/Sn6) in sheet form is widely used in electrical, mechanical, and marine applications where precision and reliability are critical.

Material Overview

The addition of 0.01–0.35 wt.% phosphorus to tin bronze refines grain structure and enhances mechanical performance by acting as a deoxidizer and solid solution strengthener. Aksoy et al. (2002) demonstrated that phosphorus additions in leaded-tin bronzes suppress the formation of brittle (Zn,Cu)S inclusions, improving fatigue life and tensile strength while maintaining corrosion stability. Cho et al. (2007) investigated annealing behavior in free-cutting phosphor bronze (ASTM C54400), revealing that optimized annealing temperatures (between 400–550 °C) balance machinability and mechanical strength by controlling recrystallization and grain growth. Furthermore, Kurosawa (1982) developed a phosphor bronze–graphite composite alloy, achieving low friction coefficients and superior wear resistance through the synergistic lubrication of graphite and bismuth inclusions. These findings highlight phosphor bronze’s adaptability across demanding mechanical and electrical contexts.

Applications and Advantages

Phosphor bronze is widely used in springs, electrical connectors, clips, and bearing materials, where resistance to fatigue, impact, and corrosion are essential. Its high strength and low friction properties make it suitable for precision engineering components exposed to repetitive mechanical stress. Xiang et al. (2020) developed a corrosion-resistant, high-elasticity Cu–Sn–Ni alloy with mechanical properties comparable to phosphor bronze, emphasizing its benchmark role in corrosion-resistant copper alloys. The alloy’s ability to retain elasticity under cyclical loading makes it ideal for architectural, acoustic, and electromechanical systems. In marine environments, Cu94/Sn6 exhibits excellent performance due to the formation of a stable, adherent oxide layer that prevents dezincification and pitting.

Goodfellow Availability

Goodfellow supplies Phosphor Bronze (Cu94/Sn6) Sheet in high-purity, research-grade quality for engineering, electrical, and structural applications. Each sheet undergoes controlled processing to ensure consistent grain structure and surface finish. Custom dimensions and heat-treated variants are available upon request for specialized industrial or scientific use.

Explore Phosphor Bronze (Cu94/Sn6) and other advanced materials in Goodfellow’s online catalogue: Goodfellow product finder.

References

• Aksoy, M., Kuzucu, V., & Turhan, H. (2002). A note on the effect of phosphorus on the microstructure and mechanical properties of leaded-tin bronze. Journal of Materials Processing Technology, 124(1–2), 48–53. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0924-0136(02)00137-1
• Cho, H., Lee, B. S., Yang, J. S., & Jo, H. H. (2007). Effect of annealing on the mechanical property and machinability of free-cutting phosphor bronze alloy. Materials Science Forum, 544–545, 239–242. https://doi.org/10.4028/WWW.SCIENTIFIC.NET/MSF.544-545.239
• Kurosawa, T. (1982). Wear-resistant phosphor bronze alloy. Patent.
• Xiang, Z., Shen, H., & He, Y. (2020). Corrosion-resistant high-elasticity copper alloy plug bush material and preparation method thereof. Patent.
• Wang, H. (2018). Erosion-resisting copper alloy special for electrician. Patent.