Bronze is primarily a copper tin alloy that offers outstanding strength, corrosion resistance (especially to salt water), electrical/thermal conductivity and ductility. It flows when melted and has a reddish brown color. Melting temperature is at 950°C. This metal alloy dates back to about 3,500 BC. Hard and brittle, bronze can withstand metal fatigue better than steel.
Many different types of bronze alloys are available for use. These are produced by combining copper with aluminum, iron, nickel, silicon, manganese or phosphorous. These alloys offer a range of properties suitable for specific application uses including:
- Propellers
- Marine hardware
- Bearings
- Pump components
- Heat exchangers
Read our guide to learn more about proper surface preparation for bonding metals.
Consideration for Bonding Bronze--Corrosion Resistance
Prominent two component epoxy systems are Supreme 42HT-2, EP38, EP21LV and EP41S-1. Toughened Supreme 42HT-2 is serviceable from -65°F to +425°F. It is capable of withstanding severe thermal cycling and a wide range of chemicals. Optically clear EP38 resists boiling water and is tack-free in 3 three hours at room temperature. Low viscosity EP21LV has a convenient non-critical one to one mix ratio by weight or volume. It provides high strength bonds between similar and dissimilar substrates. Solvent free EP41S-1 exhibits extraordinary performance in chemical processing applications. It is also noted for its superior electrical insulation properties.
