# What is bronze?
**Bronze is a metal alloy primarily composed of copper and tin, widely used in construction for fittings, ornamental work, hardware, and architectural details. It is valued for its excellent corrosion resistance, durability, low friction, and attractive warm-toned appearance.**
## Composition and properties
Standard architectural bronze typically contains 85–90% copper and 10–15% tin, though modern variants may include small amounts of aluminium, manganese, silicon, or phosphorus to enhance specific properties. Key characteristics include:
– **Corrosion resistance:** Develops a protective patina (verdigris) that shields against further degradation.
– **Strength:** Higher tensile strength than pure copper.
– **Machinability:** Easily cast, machined, and polished.
– **Low friction:** Suitable for bearings and moving hardware.
– **Aesthetic warmth:** Ranges from golden to deep brown tones.
## Types of bronze in construction
### Phosphor bronze
Contains a small percentage of phosphorus; used for springs, fasteners, and electrical contacts.
### Aluminium bronze
High strength and excellent marine corrosion resistance; used for heavy-duty hardware and structural connectors in coastal environments.
### Silicon bronze
Good weldability and weather resistance; common in architectural panels and sculptural elements.
## Applications
– Door handles, hinges, and locksets
– Decorative facades and cladding panels
– Statues, reliefs, and ornamental railings
– Church bells and memorial plaques
– Marine hardware on waterfront structures
– Bearing plates in bridge expansion joints
## Related terms
– Copper
– Brass (copper-zinc alloy)
– Patina
– Corrosion resistance
– Architectural metals
– Casting
– Alloy
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