Reduced Conductivity and Unique Electro-Magnetic Signature Zinc Alloy

Abstract

An alloy, comprising up to 2% by weight of manganese and the balance zinc broadens the use of low cost zinc in coinage and token applications as well as in electrical and electronic applications. Additions of small amounts of manganese can have a significant effect on lowering the conductivity of zinc and its alloys.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An alloy, comprising:
 up to 2% by weight of manganese and the balance zinc.   
     
     
         2 . The alloy of  claim 1 , further comprising electrical conductivity in the range of 12 to 25% IACS. 
     
     
         3 . The alloy of  claim 1 , wherein said manganese comprises 0.01% to 2% by weight of said alloy. 
     
     
         4 . The alloy of  claim 1 , further comprising copper in the range of 0.1% to 1.2% by weight. 
     
     
         5 . The alloy of  claim 1 , further comprising titanium. 
     
     
         6 . The alloy of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one of the group consisting of copper, aluminum, magnesium, titanium, cadmium, chromium, iron and antimony. 
     
     
         7 . The alloy of  claim 1 , formed into a coin or token. 
     
     
         8 . The alloy of  claim 1 , formed into a fuse. 
     
     
         9 . The alloy of  claim 1 , having an as-cast IACS conductivity modified by a rolling process. 
     
     
         10 . The alloy of  claim 1 , further comprising a plating layer over said alloy. 
     
     
         11 . The alloy of  claim 1 , wherein said manganese comprises 0.05% to 1% of said alloy. 
     
     
         12 . The alloy of  claim 1 , wherein said manganese comprises 0.01% to 1% of said alloy. 
     
     
         13 . The alloy of  claim 1 , further comprising aluminum in the amount of 0.001% to 0.60% by weight. 
     
     
         14 . The alloy of  claim 1 , further comprising magnesium in the amount of 0.0001% to 0.50% by weight. 
     
     
         15 . The alloy of  claim 1 , further comprising titanium in the amount of 0.050% to 1.0% by weight. 
     
     
         16 . The alloy of  claim 1 , further comprising chromium in the amount of 0.0001% to 0.50% by weight. 
     
     
         17 . The alloy of  claim 1 , further comprising iron in the amount of 0.0001% to 0.50% by weight. 
     
     
         18 . The alloy of  claim 1 , further comprising antimony in the amount of 0.0001% to 0.50% by weight.