Arsenical copper

File:Head of a dignitary, Iran, about 2000 BC, arsenical copper - Cincinnati Art Museum - DSC04606.JPG

Sculpted head of a dignitary from ancient Iran (c.2000 BC) in arsenical copper

Arsenical copper contains up to 0.5% arsenic which, at elevated temperatures, imparts higher tensile strength and a reduced tendency to scaling. It is typically specified in boiler work, especially locomotive fireboxes. It also helps prevent embrittlement of oxygen free copper by bismuth, antimony and lead by the formation of complex oxides. Copper with a larger percentage of arsenic is called arsenical bronze, which can be work-hardened much harder than copper.

See also

• Arsenical bronze