Abstract
The oxidation behavior of 60%Cu-40%Zn brass haying small amounts of Zr, Cr, Mg, Al, and Si was studied between 873 and 1043 K in air. The alloying element of Mg was harmful, while other alloying elements were beneficial to oxidation resistance. Particularly, the simultaneous addition of Al and Si decreased the oxidation rate drastically. During oxidation, Zr formed ZrO₂, Cr formed CuCr₂O₄, Mg formed MgO, Al formed A1₂CuO₄, and Si formed amorphous SiO₂. These oxides were incorporated in the oxide scale composed predominantly of ZnO. The oxide scales formed on all the tested alloyswere prone to cracking, wrinkling, and spallation.