Rank Copper, Brass and Bronze by Thermal Conductivity

In summary, copper exhibits the highest thermal conductivity among the three materials, followed by brass, which has moderate thermal conductivity, and bronze, which typically has the lowest thermal conductivity of the three metals.
  • #1
Fishworks
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Can I get help ranking Copper, Brass and Bronze by Thermal Conductivity?
Hi,

Can I get help ranking Copper, Brass and Bronze by Thermal Conductivity?

This stuff below says Copper is the best Thermal Conductor, and Bronze is the worst.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_thermal_conductivities
https://www.engineersedge.com/properties_of_metals.htm
https://www.metalsupermarkets.com/which-metals-conduct-heat-best/
https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/thermal-conductivity-metals-d_858.html

Here below says Bronze is the best Thermal Conductor, and Brass is the Worst.
https://at-machining.com/bronze-vs-brass-vs-copper/#:~:text=In terms of thermal conductivity,/hr-ft²-ºf.
https://www.rapiddirect.com/blog/brass-vs-bronze-vs-copper/

Here is says Copper is the best Thermal Conductor, and Brass is the Worst.
https://neutrium.net/heat-transfer/thermal-conductivity-of-metals-and-alloys/

I am confused.
 
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  • #2
Specific alloy compositions are what?
 
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  • #3
Pure copper is the best thermal conductor of the three.

However, there are many different grades of copper, brass and bronze and the thermal conductivity between different grades of the same alloy can be very different.
Typically, the type of copper used to machine parts is not very pure at all, it is an alloy; simply because really pure copper is typically too soft to be useful (and expensive).
It also depends on the temperature; Oxygen Free High Conductivity Copper is a much,much better thermal conductor than "regular" copper at low temperature; but at room temperature the difference is much smaller to the point where it is usually insignificant.

Hence, you need to be more specific.
 
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  • #4
On Engineering Toolbox
Copper at 0-127c is 401-392 w/mk
Brass (70%cu 30%zn) at 20c is 111w/mk
Bronze (75%cu 25%zn)at 20c is 26w/mk

On Neutrium.net
Copper at 20c is 401w/mk
Bronze at 20c is 188w/mk
Brass at 20c is 144w/mk

They are providing conflicting info.
In your opinion, which of the above sources I provided is best, reliable or most accurate?
 
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  • #5
I hope its not too late but I edited my latest response. Please do check it out.
At this point, i am leaning towards using Engineering Toolbox for reference. Many Thanks
 
  • #6
There are numerous, not infinite but close, Cu-Sn/Zn alloys; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brass. Cartridge brasses, music/acoustic brasses, naval brasses/bronzes, phophor-bronzes....

Hence the need request/s for specificity.
 
  • #7
Fishworks said:
Bronze (75%cu 25%zn)at 20c is 26w/mk
Bronze is an alloy consisting primarily of copper, commonly with about 12–12.5% tin (Sn) and often with the addition of other metals (including aluminum, manganese, nickel, or zinc). Brass consists of a mixture of copper and zinc, and as Bystander indicated, composition is a critical factor here.

Cu and Zn are neighbors in the periodic table, while Sn (Z = 50, A ~ 118.71). Larger, more massive atoms do not 'conduct' heat very well compared to lighter atoms (phonon conduction).

One also has to consider solid solution vs precipitation-based alloys (which usually means intermetallics), which interfere with heat transfer. In the case of precipitation hardened alloys, thermal conductivity can be improved if the alloy atoms are dispersed as fine precipitates in the main/bulk, here Cu, matrix.

Different kinds of commercial bronze alloys
https://www.advancebronze.com/bronze-alloy-chart/

A good source of information on Cu and Cu-alloys is the Copper Development Association, Inc.
https://copper.org/resources/properties/
https://copper.org/applications/marine/other-copper-alloys/brasses/
https://copper.org/resources/properties/microstructure/cu_tin.php (aka Bronzes)

https://www.copper.org/applications/industrial/DesignGuide/selection/elect02.html
 
  • #8
It's not just the initial composition, but the mechanical handling.

I'd expect 'work-hardened' copper to have a lower thermal and electrical conductivity than the 'fresh' stuff.
 

FAQ: Rank Copper, Brass and Bronze by Thermal Conductivity

What is thermal conductivity?

Thermal conductivity is a measure of a material's ability to conduct heat. It quantifies how easily heat can pass through a material when there is a temperature difference across it. The higher the thermal conductivity, the better the material is at conducting heat.

How do copper, brass, and bronze compare in terms of thermal conductivity?

Copper has the highest thermal conductivity among the three materials, making it an excellent conductor of heat. Brass has a lower thermal conductivity than copper but is still relatively good. Bronze typically has the lowest thermal conductivity of the three, as it is an alloy primarily made of copper and tin, which reduces its heat-conducting abilities compared to pure copper.

What are the typical thermal conductivity values for copper, brass, and bronze?

The thermal conductivity of copper is approximately 400 W/m·K, while brass ranges from about 100 to 150 W/m·K, depending on its specific composition. Bronze generally has a thermal conductivity of around 60 to 100 W/m·K, again depending on its alloying elements.

Why is thermal conductivity important in material selection?

Thermal conductivity is crucial in applications where heat transfer is essential, such as in heat exchangers, electrical components, and cooking utensils. Selecting a material with the appropriate thermal conductivity ensures efficient heat transfer, which can improve performance, energy efficiency, and safety in various applications.

Can the thermal conductivity of these materials be altered?

Yes, the thermal conductivity of copper, brass, and bronze can be altered through various methods, including alloying with different elements, heat treatment processes, and mechanical working. For example, adding certain metals to brass can enhance its strength while potentially reducing its thermal conductivity.

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