The dezincification of brass

Abstract

Under certain conditions the Cu‐Zn alloys are found to corrode by a process known as dezincification. As the term implies, zinc is removed from the alloy, leaving as a residue a porous mass of copper having little or no mechanical strength. Since corrosion is a surface phenomenon this process is initiated at the surface and, thereafter, gradually makes its way inwards until either leaks or cracks render the component useless for further service. Dezincification is a frequent type of corrosion failure encountered with brass handling waters contaminated with chloride ions.

Citation

Robinson, F.P.A. and Shalit, M. (1964), "The dezincification of brass", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 11 No. 4, pp. 11-14. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb020168