Abstract
The slow strain rate testing (SSRT) technique was used to study the susceptibility of stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of 70/30 brass in fluoride solution 
at 20°C. The inhibiting effect of 1,2,3‐benzotriazole (BTA) on the susceptibility of SCC was assessed from experimentally obtained quantitative expressions in terms of maximum stress and reduction of area in these solutions. Electrochemistry of the brass/fluoride/BTA system is presented, and correlation between SCC inhibition and the electrochemical behavior was established. Results are summarized as follows: (i) SCC of 70/30 brass can occur in the fluoride solution, and the critical fluoride concentration is 10 ppm or less, above which SCC will occur. (ii) The effective BTA concentration is 300 ppm or more in 1000 ppm F−, above which SCC can be inhibited. The cathodic reaction on brass is significantly polarized by the presence of BTA. (iii) Anodic potentials promote the SCC of 70/30 brass in fluoride environment, while cathodic potentials inhibit it.