Auger electron spectroscopy has been used to analyse the intergranular SCC fracture surface of annealed 71-29 brass in Mattsson's solution [0.05M Cu(II) + 1.0M (NH3 + NH4+), pH 7.25]. The untarnished SCC surface carries an oxide film <10 nm in thickness, with a Cu:Zn atom ratio ~4, and shows dezincification in the alloy substrate to a depth of 20 to 50 nm. Very high Zn(II) concentrations are found on the oxide surface ~ 2 mm behind the SCC leading edge; this material is deposited from a supersaturated solution within the crack, and is readily removed from the film surface by Ar+ bombardment.

Subject
Films, Metal surfaces, Fracture surfaces, Substrate surfaces, Surface analysis, Oxide surfaces, Film formation, Sputter deposition, Zinc, Brass, Ductile fracture, Tarnish, Stress corrosion cracking
© 1980 National Association of Corrosion Engineers
1980
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