The dealloying of
b-brass (and also two-phase brass alloys) is particularly
severe, owing to the high zinc composition
of the b phase. In two-phase alloys, the b
phase is attacked first, leaving behind a porous
copper structure that can act as a cathode, driving
the dealloying of the a phase. Dezincification is
directly related to the stress-corrosion cracking
of copper-zinc alloys (Ref 17).