Analysis of Zinc (ZN) Addition on Hardness and Phase Value of Copper-Zinc (Cu-Zn) Alloy Through the Casting Process

Objective: This study aims to analyze the effect of zinc addition on hardness and microstructure of zinc-copper alloys with variations of zinc addition of 32, 34, 36 and 38 weight percent (%b). Theoretical Framework: Copper is widely used in industries. Copper has a high tensile strength up to 390 MPa (N/mm). Copper has a good thermal and electrical conductivity properties, malleable, recyclables, and corrosion resistant. Zinc is one of metals that can be combined with copper. Zinc is widely used for anode coating, protecting steel from corrosion and casting. Alloy from copper and zinc is brass (Cu-Za). Brass material has high strength corrosion resistance and good machinability. Method: Casting is done by melting the metal in a gas furnace at a temperature of 1200 C and a holding time of 1 hour. The molten metal is cooled in a gas furnace. This study tests uses X–ray energy disperse spectroscopy (EDS/EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), hardness properties testing, and metallography. Results and Discussion: The hardness properties of Cu-Zn alloy show an increase along with the addition of zinc. Metallographic observations showed the microstructure of alpha and beta phases. The more additional will decrease the alpha grain size. Research Implication: The zinc addition to Cu-Zn alloy increases the hardness value. Copper and its alloys have high corrosion resistance, they are widely used to make fluid-filled pipes and valves. Originality/Value: This research contributes to increase the hardness of copper with zinc addition.