The effect of lead content on stress corrosion behavior of brass

Using stress corrosion testing, electrochemical detection, and XPS analysis, this study explored the stress corrosion behavior and mechanisms of brass with Pb contents of 0 and 0.025 wt%, and 2.6 wt% in a 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. The results indicated that compared to lead-free brass, brass with 0.025 wt% Pb was influenced by a passivation film, thereby maintaining the long-term stability of its internal structure under stress. Brass with 2.6 wt% Pb also formed a passivation film during the early stages of stress corrosion, and it exhibited low stress corrosion sensitivity. However, its stress corrosion sensitivity increased continuously as Pb dissolved.