Comprehensive utilization of valuable elements in brass alloy rods production through recovery of copper scraps

Abstract

Brass alloys that meet ASTM C36000 standard were prepared from scrap copper alloys in this study. The mechanical properties of these brass alloy products were measured, and the results showed that yield strength, elongation, tensile strength, and hardness were respectively 164 N/mm2, 37.7%, 383 N/mm2, and 87.7 HV. The flow of elements in the brass alloy production process was also investigated using thermodynamic calculations and microstructural observations. It was discovered that elements such as Al, Mg, Pb, and Cd were easily oxidized as slag; Cd was easily volatilized at high temperatures, and impurities such as Fe, S, and P were precipitated as ZnS and Fe3P inclusions.