Any of a group of copper–zinc alloys
containing up to 50% of zinc. The
color of brass changes from red-gold to
golden to silvery-white with increasing zinc
content. Brasses are easy to work and resist
corrosion well. Brasses with up to 35%
zinc can be worked cold and are specially
suited for rolling into sheets, drawing into
wire, and making into tubes. Brasses with
35–46% zinc are harder and stronger but
less ductile; they require hot working (e.g.
forging). The properties of brass can be improved
by the addition of other elements;
lead improves its ability to be machined,
while aluminum and tin increase its corrosion
resistance.
