Severe corrosion of brass, also known as dezincification, can occur in environments containing chlorides and other deviating water qualities such as soft water. Stagnant or slow moving water can also corrode copper to a sponge-like surface with very poor mechanical properties. This can be virtually eliminated with Dezincification Resistant Alloys (DZR or DR brass).
Also known as CR (corrosion resistant) brasses, DZR Brass is subject to careful control of time and temperature of heat treatment in production. Detailed attention is given to the type and quantity of alloying elements to control alpha and beta phases due to the vulnerability of beta phase to dezincification. In addition, attention must be given to the finished part’s manufacturing process (machining or hot forging) so that the correct heat treatment can be applied to the material.