Experimental Investigation of a Brass-Infused Mild Steel Composite: Insights from Quranic Metallurgy (Al-Kahfi 18:96)

Abstract

Quran 18:96 describes how Dzulqarnain constructed a fortified barrier using piles of iron plates, heated until it red-hot, and subsequently coated with molten copper alloy. Interpreting this verse from a metallurgical perspective, this study investigates the tensile behaviour of a material system inspired by the described process, represented experimentally using mild steel plates and molten brass as the copper-based alloy. The tensile properties of the resulting brass-mild steel metal matrix composite were evaluated and compared with those of brass and mild steel individually. The methodology involves heating mild steel plates, introducing molten brass between them, and allowing the assembly to cool to form a bonded structure. Subsequently, tensile testing was performed to determine parameters such as ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, and strain characteristics. Mechanical test results show that brass exhibits the highest tensile strength (592.12 MPa), followed by mild steel (542.36 MPa), while the metal composite displays a lower tensile strength of 448.57 MPa. Conversely, the metal composite material of brass-infused mild steel specimens demonstrates significantly higher strain values (0.3000) compared to brass (0.1829) and mild steel (0.2176). These findings highlight that brass-infused mild steel forms a novel metal matrix composite with enhanced ductility and strain capacity, despite reduced tensile strength. The improved strain behaviour may offer various advantages in applications that require higher strain properties, impact resistance, or energy absorption. The implications of this work extend beyond materials testing: the experimental findings provide a scientific basis for interpreting the metallurgical insights embedded in Quran 18:96, linking ancient descriptions with modern engineering understanding. Additionally, the study highlights the potential of copper-alloy–infused steel composites for use in structural, protective, and engineering applications where high strain capacity is beneficial. Future work may expand the Quranic metallurgical interpretation by exploring bronze as an alternative copper alloy system to further refine the material representation.