Which of the following materials is likely to suffer dezincification?

Prepare for the New York City Master Plumbers Exam. Enhance your skills with interactive flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each providing hints and explanations. Set yourself up for success!

Dezincification is a specific form of corrosion that typically affects brass, which is an alloy primarily made of copper and zinc. In certain corrosive environments, such as those involving water with low pH, high chloride concentrations, or high turbulence, the zinc in the brass can leach out, leading to a reduction in the brass's structural integrity and leaving behind a porous, copper-rich material. This phenomenon weakens the material and can lead to failures in plumbing systems if not addressed.

In contrast, stainless steel and cast iron are more resistant to corrosion and do not typically undergo dezincification. Stainless steel, which contains chromium, forms a protective oxide layer that prevents corrosion, while cast iron, though subject to its form of rusting, does not suffer from dezincification as it doesn't contain zinc. Plastic materials are inherently resistant to corrosion, as they do not contain metals that would be susceptible to this type of deterioration. Therefore, brass is correctly identified as the material most likely to suffer dezincification.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy