Disproportionate zinc dissolution prior to simultaneous+ (non-selective) dissolution of the Cu-30 at.% Zn has recently been shown to occur by soft X-ray spectroscopy of the alloy surface(1). Such a result is in accord with theoretical considerations. In principle, dissolution of brass by the simultaneous mode should be preceded by an induction period of preferential zinc dissolution, in view of the difference in nobility of copper and zinc. Simultaneous dissolution would then occur when a certain level of enrichment of copper is reached in the surface, and possibly subsurface, atomic layers. The existence of an induction period and surface enrichment prior to the onset of simultaneous dissolution may be shown by analysis either of the surface of the alloy or of the electrolyte. In the present paper, preliminary chemical analyses of the electrolyte are given. These data demonstrate the induction period.

Subject
Electrochemical cells, Microscopy, Metal surfaces, Polishing, Dissolution, Copper alloys, Metals, Specimen preparation, Surface layers, Copper, Zinc, Electrolytes, Electrode potential
© 1973 Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP). All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of AMPP. Positions and opinions advanced in this work are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AMPP. Responsibility for the content of the work lies solely with the author(s).
1973
Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP)
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