Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of copper and copper-based alloys

Abstract

This chapter summarizes stress corrosion cracking of copper and copper-based alloys in different chemical, thermal, and electrochemical environments. The chapter begins with description of different copper-based alloys and their common application. A description of different operating SCC mechanisms for the copper-based alloys is provided. Information regarding the chemical, thermal and electrochemical conditions that could induce SCC of the copper and copper-based alloys and additional details on the SCC mechanism of particular copper-based alloys in specific chemical conditions are also detailed. The role of secondary phase particles on SCC of copper-based alloys is discussed. SCC mitigation strategies for the copper-based alloys are discussed. A summary of the chapter is provided in the end. The aim of this chapter is to develop an understanding of SCC susceptibility of different copper-based alloys in different chemical environments.