Why is brass resistant to corrosion?

  • Thread starter Thread starter KAS90
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, exhibits corrosion resistance primarily due to the presence of zinc, which acts as an electron donor. When copper begins to oxidize, zinc donates electrons to replace those lost by copper, thus delaying corrosion. However, if the zinc content exceeds 15%, this protective mechanism is compromised, leading to increased susceptibility to corrosion. This phenomenon is similar to the use of zinc coatings on nails to prevent rusting.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of alloy composition, specifically copper and zinc ratios
  • Basic knowledge of electrochemistry, particularly electron donation and oxidation
  • Familiarity with corrosion mechanisms in metals
  • Awareness of protective coatings and their applications in metal preservation
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the electrochemical properties of copper and zinc in alloys
  • Explore the effects of varying zinc percentages on brass corrosion resistance
  • Learn about corrosion prevention techniques, including galvanization
  • Investigate other metal alloys and their corrosion resistance properties
USEFUL FOR

Materials scientists, metallurgists, and engineers involved in alloy development and corrosion prevention strategies.

KAS90
Messages
22
Reaction score
0
hey there..
I read that brass "an alloy of copper and zinc" doesn't corrode unless more than 15% of zinc is added..
My question is.. what is the reason behind the resistance of corrosion of brass? does it have 2 do with the electronegativity or sumthing like that?
I'd appreciate ur response and help a lot..
Thanks in advance..
 
Physics news on Phys.org
It would eventually corrode. But the way it works is that zinc is an electron donor. When the copper is ready to corrode, or oxidise (lost an electron), the zinc is there waiting to give it another to replace the lost electron. Obviously this cannot go on indefinately. Its the same reason why we get zinc coated nails etc.

As to why is corrodes if more than 15% is added... No idea.
 

Similar threads

Surface oxidation of aluminum alloy and electrical continuity
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
5K
Galvanic corrosion of nickle copper alloys (nicopp, cunifer)
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
A few questions about airflow and filters...
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Why is Cl a better leaving group than an anhydride?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
Electrical Wiring - corrosion, cracking and resistance.
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
6K
Graduate Stopping a bullet with a field
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
19K
Copper tubes in air conditioners quick questionsneed ur help ly
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Why Do Metric and Imperial Torque Calculations Yield Different Results?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Bridge Collapse Genoa - Informed Engineering Perspectives
  • · Replies 43 ·
2
Replies
43
Views
11K
Solving Power Delivery Issues in a 5V Series Circuit with a 1.5V Rated Relay
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K