Further Properties of Brass
No loss of properties at temperatures up to 200°C
Good impact resistance (toughness)
Notes:
In addition to its primary properties brass has a number of less obvious properties.
Copper is a well-known as a biocide and the copper content of the brasses has the beneficial effect of restricting the the growth of micro-organisms. Tests on door furniture such as knobs and finger plates have shown that those made of clean brass are far less likely to encourage the growth of the organisms causing nosocomal infections than other materials. Brass fittings, free from further protective finishes, should therefore be used in sensitive environments such as hospitals.
Its strength is maintained up to 200°C and reduces by only about 30% at 300°C which compares favourably with other materials.
Brasses have good impact resistance (toughness) and do not shatter or crack when subject to a high impact load.