Abstract
The brass CuZn36Pb2 is widely used for fittings, valves and other installation materials. Failures are observed occasionally caused by corrosion. Considering the Cu-Zn phase diagram only α-phase exists in the range of 650 and 300 °C. At higher temperatures α- and β-phase is stable and at lower temperatures α- and β´-phase exist. Since the β-phase is Zn-enriches, it is attacked severely by corrosion. In the recent work brass samples were heat treated at temperatures between 850 and 200 °C to study the microstructural changes and the corresponding electrochemical properties. Potentiostatic corrosion tests were applied in artificial fresh water and sea water at different potential settings. After a heat treated at 850 °C the brass has formed b-phase which can be shown by metallography. At lower temperatures the microstructure is fine grained and no β-phase was observed. To verify the presence of β´-phase a heat treatment at 200 °C was performed but no β´-phase was observed, which was confirmed additionally by X-ray diffraction. Again, after corrosion tests the samples were investigated by metallography and the β-phase was obviously more attacked than the α-phase.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.