Investigation of the distribution of lead in three different combinations of brass feedstock

Abstract

The main objective of this paper was to assess three leaded brass samples (pending application with Copper Development Association) using optical microscopy and mass spectrometry to compare the distribution of lead. Based on the mass spectrometry data, a great deal of variation was not found within each of the samples based on five different sample locations. Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed that the lead was homogenously distributed in brass.