Use of an Empirical Potential Shift Technique for Predicting Dezincification Rates of αβ-Brasses in Chloride Media

The development of an empirical potential shift technique for predicting accelerated dezincification rates is described in this paper. The potential shift provided an excellent measure of the rate of dezincification likely to occur in a particular electrolyte and also allowed comparison between different media under varied conditions of exposure. This technique has also been used to study dezincification in neutral and alkaline solutions. The experimental results have clarified the conditions necessary for producing either layer or plug type dezincification in αβ-brasses and have also provided additional information relevant to the mechanism of dezincification. The technique has also confirmed that provided the potential requirements were met, accelerated dezincification could take place in domestic tap waters normally considered nonaggressive. It would, therefore, appear possible to apply a unifying theory as to the cause of dezincification, irrespective of the conditions of exposure.