STREES‐CORROSION CRACKING OF BRASS Available to Purchase

Stress‐corrosion cracking has been a problem in the production of wrought‐brass articles for many years. During spinning or deep drawing of brass cups, lamp bases and the like, stresses are set up which remain in the metal unless removed by annealing. Then, if the brass is stored in an atmosphere containing small amounts of ammonia and water vapour, stress‐corrosion cracking may occur. Even very small amounts of ammonia, such as are found in the average home atmosphere, may be sufficient to cause this effect. Industrial atmospheres are likely to be even more corrosive.