Cu0.62Zn0.38 brass foil was heated at temperatures of 400-700 degrees C in flowing N-2-5%O-2 at a pressure of 1 atm. for 1-24 h. The oxidized specimens were characterized with a scanning electron microscope, an X-ray diffractometer and a transmission electron microscope. The results show that hexagon ZnO nanowires and nanowalls grew on convoluted oxide scales when brass foils were oxidized at 500 and 600 degrees C. Thermodynamics of forming ZnO is analyzed based on oxidation theory of an alloy. Pilling-Bedworth ratio of Cu-Zn alloy is calculated based on the volume differences between the formed oxide and the consumed metal. The growth stresses caused by Pilling-Bedworth ratio of the alloy and stress relief of oxide scale at different oxidation temperature are analyzed. The mechanism of forming nanostructural ZnO on the convoluted oxide scales is explained by the change in the growth stresses and stress relief of oxide scale during thermal oxidation. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.