Which fabrication consequence occurred when ancient Mesopotamian bronze founders exceeded tin content beyond optimal ratios using crucible furnaces?

💡 Explanation

When tin content exceeded optimal ratios, segregation of brittle intermetallic phases occurred because excessive tin prevented uniform solid solution strengthening, leading to crack propagation and premature failure. Therefore elevated alloy brittleness results, rather than increased hardness, reduced melting point, or enhanced corrosion resistance which have different compositional requirements.

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