Novel application research on critical high-temperature deformation of low-lead brass alloy

This study investigated the critical high-temperature deformation of the low-lead (Pb) Cu38Zn3Pb alloy. Moreover, the dezincification mechanism of this alloy for high-temperature applications was evaluated. The results reveal that tensile temperatures influence the phase structures of the brass alloy matrix. Many voids and holes formed at the phase boundaries above 400 °C due to the hard-brittleβ’ phase which transformed into the softer β phase, thus causing low-strength and high-ductility values. High strain rate deformation promotes more obvious intermediate-temperature brittleness in the brass alloy. The Cu38Zn3Pb alloys display the lowest impact toughness between 400 °C and 600 °C. Long-term hot working caused dezincification in the brass alloy, thus deteriorating its ductility. The influences of thermal dezincification on the mechanical properties of the alloy must be considered during processing or heat treatment.