The Role of Silicon Content on Environmental Degradations of T91 Steels

T91 grade steels showed a gradual enhancement in tensile ductility at ambient temperature due to an increase in Si content from 0.5 to 2.0 weight percent (wt.%). However, the ultimate tensile strength was reduced only above 1.5 wt.% Si. The corrosion potential became more active in an acidic solution with increasing temperature. The cracking susceptibility in a similar environment under a slow-strain-rate (SSR) condition was enhanced at higher temperatures showing reduced ductility, time to failure, and true failure stress. Cathodic potentials applied to the test specimens in SSR testing caused an enhanced cracking tendency at 30 and 60 °C, suggesting hydrogen embrittlement as a possible mechanism of failure. Cracking of precracked and wedge-loaded double-cantilever-beam specimens was enhanced at higher initial stress intensity factors. In general, steels with 2.0 wt.% Si showed inferior corrosion resistance. A combination of cleavage and intergranular brittle failure was seen in the tested specimens depending on the type of testing.     

CO32--HCO3-溶液中X80管线钢焊接接头的应力腐蚀开裂分析

采用慢应变速率试验(SSRT)、扫描电镜(SEM)观察研究了国产X80管线钢焊接接头在 0.5 mol/L Na2CO3 1 mol/L NaHCO3 溶液中的应力腐蚀开裂(SCC)敏感性.结果表明,拉伸试样全部断裂在焊缝或热影响区.在所研究的电位区间,拉伸试样随着外加电位正向增加,断面收缩率、断裂时间和断后伸长率增加,而断口部位的裂纹平均扩展速率减小,SCC敏感性降低.试样断口形貌在阴极电位条件下呈准解理断裂,在自腐蚀电位和阳极电位条件下,焊缝试样断口主要是韧性断裂.应力腐蚀机理可以用阳极溶解理论和氢致破裂来解释.     

Stress corrosion cracking study of microalloyed pipeline steels in dilute NaHCO3 solutions

Studies were carried out to evaluate the stress corrosion cracking (SCC) behavior of a X-70 microalloyed pipeline steel, with different microstructures by using the slow strain rate testing (SSRT) technique at 50 °C, in NaHCO₃ solutions. Both anodic and cathodic potentials were applied. Additionally, experiments using the SSRT technique but with pre-charged hydrogen samples and potentiodynamic polarization curves at different sweep rates were also carried out to elucidate hydrogen effects. The results showed that the different microstructures in conjunction with the anodic applied potentials shift the cracking susceptibility of the steel. In diluted NaHCO₃ solutions cathodic potentials close to their rest potential values decreased the SCC susceptibility regardless the microstructure, whereas higher cathodic potentials promote SCC in all steel conditions. Certain microstructures are more susceptible to present anodic dissolution corrosion mechanism. Meanwhile concentrated solution did not promotes brittle fracture.     

CO_3~(2-)-HCO_3~-溶液中X80管线钢焊接接头的应力腐蚀开裂分析

采用慢应变速率试验(SSRT)、扫描电镜(SEM)观察研究了国产X80管线钢焊接接头在0.5mol/LNa2CO3 1mol/LNaHCO3溶液中的应力腐蚀开裂(SCC)敏感性。结果表明,拉伸试样全部断裂在焊缝或热影响区。在所研究的电位区间,拉伸试样随着外加电位正向增加,断面收缩率、断裂时间和断后伸长率增加,而断口部位的裂纹平均扩展速率减小,SCC敏感性降低。试样断口形貌在阴极电位条件下呈准解理断裂,在自腐蚀电位和阳极电位条件下,焊缝试样断口主要是韧性断裂。应力腐蚀机理可以用阳极溶解理论和氢致破裂来解释。     

X70管线钢在不同温度近中性pH溶液中的应力腐蚀破裂行为

采用慢应变速率实验(SSRT)研究了不同温度和电位下X70管线钢在近中性pH溶液中的应力腐蚀破裂(SCC)行为．结果表明，不同温度下，X70管线钢在近中性pH溶液中的开裂方式都是穿晶型的，具有准解理特征，并且随着外加阴极电位的降低，SCC敏感性增加，氢致开裂占主导．随温度的下降，溶液pH值略有降低，SCC敏感性增加。     

外加电位对X70管线钢在近中性pH溶液中的应力腐蚀破裂的影响

采用慢应变速率试验(SSRT)研究了不同电位下X70管线钢在近中性pH溶液中的应力腐蚀破裂(SCC)行为．同时研究丁溶液中通入不同含量CO2对SCC的影响．结果表明．X70管线钢在近中性pH溶液中的开裂方式是穿晶型的．具有准解理特征．并且随着外加阴极电位的降低，SCC敏感性增加；随CO2含量的增加，pH值降低，SCC敏感性增加．均表现为氢致开裂占主导．     

X70管线钢焊缝应力腐蚀破裂的研究

采用慢应变速率试验、扫描电镜试验研究了X70管线钢焊缝拉伸试样在通5％CO2 95％N2的NS4溶液中的应力腐蚀破裂(SCC)敏感性。结果表明断口和柱面SCC裂纹均发生在热影响区(HAZ)。施加阴极电位时，在试样断口观察到明显的准解理断裂特征，断口和柱面有穿晶SCC裂纹。在自腐蚀电位和阳极电位条件下，SCC敏感性很低。在所研究的电位区间，总体趋势是随电位正向增加，断面收缩率、断裂时间和延伸率增加，而断口部位SCC裂纹平均扩展速率减少、即SCC敏感性降低。并利用显微组织变化和电化学理论分析了焊缝试样HAZ的SCC机理。     

The effect of pH,copper content and ammonia concentration on the stress corrosion cracking susceptibility of an aged Cu−4%Ti alloy

Stress corrosion cracking tests of an aged Cu?4% Ti alloy in various copper-ammonia solutions revealed that the alloy was highly susceptible to stress corrosion cracking in highly alkaline solutions with preconcentrated copper, but almost immune in Mattsson solutions (pH 3.9–10.0). The surface film (Cu₂O) may be not an important factor in stress corrosion cracking in this alloy system. Increase in preconcentrated copper content and ammonia concentration leads to a decrease in the time to failure. Preconcentrated copper enhances the stress corrosion susceptibility by promoting preferential dissolution of copper through acceleration of the cathodic reaction. In the highly susceptible solutions, the corrosion process seems to be mainly controlled by diffusion of cupric complex ions and the preferential corrosion of copper under concentration polarization.     

Optimization of corrosion protection potential for stress corrosion cracking and hydrogen embrittlement of 5083-H112 alloy in seawater

We report on the optimum corrosion protection potential range for stress corrosion cracking and hydrogen embrittlement of 5083-H112 Al alloy specimens using electrochemical methods and slow strain rate testing (SSRT) in seawater. In the results of the cathodic polarization curve, the concentration polarization due to dissolved oxygen reduction reaction correspondeds to a protection potential of OCP≈ −1.55 V. However, a potential of −1.2 V in the SSRT showed little effect of atomic hydrogen evolution. Potentials less than −1.6 V are affected by atomic and molecular hydrogen. We thus concluded that the effect of atomic hydrogen predominates. Overall, the optimum corrosion protection range for SCC and hydrogen embrittlement of 5083-H112 seems to be between −0.9 V and −0.7 V.     

外加电位对X80管线钢在鹰潭土壤模拟溶液中应力腐蚀行为的影响

采用电化学动电位极化技术、慢应变速率拉伸(SSRT)实验和SEM对X80管线钢在鹰潭土壤模拟溶液中的应力腐蚀行为进行了研究.结果表明:X80管线钢在酸性土壤环境中具有较高的SCC敏感性,其断口模式为穿晶SCC;SCC机制随外加电位的不同而改变,在外加电位高于-930 mV时,其SCC机制由阳极溶解和氢致腐蚀两种电极过程控制,呈现阳极溶解和氢脆复合机制;当电位低于该电位时,其SCC为氢脆机制.随着外加阴极电位的降低,X80管线钢的SCC敏感性不断增大;与X70钢相比,氢脆作用在X80管线钢SCC过程中发挥了更重要的作用.     

Stress corrosion cracking susceptibility of sensitized type 316 stainless steel in sulphuric acid solution

The stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of a commercial austenitic stainless steel type 316 was investigated as a function of sensitizing temperature (800-1300 K) and test temperature (333-373 K) in 0.82 kmol/m³ sulphuric acid solution by using a constant load method, to compare with that already obtained in 0.82 kmol/m³ hydrochloric acid solution. The three parameters (l_ss, steady state elongation rate, t_ss, transition time, t_f, time to failure) were obtained from corrosion elongation curve and were divided into three regions of applied stress, irrespective of sensitizing temperature, which are dominated by either stress, SCC or corrosion. In the SCC-dominated region, the logarithm of l_ss was a linear function of the logarithm of t_f regardless of applied stress and test temperature for each sensitized specimens, showing that l_ss became a useful parameter for prediction of t_f, although the slope depended upon sensitizing temperature. The maximum applied stress, the minimum applied stress and the value of t_ss/t_f in the SCC-dominated region depended upon sensitizing temperature. Specifically, at a sensitizing temperature of around 950 K the maximum applied stress was smaller at a test temperature of 353 K, but larger at a test temperature of 333 K than that of the solution annealed specimens. In addition, sulphate ions were found to become more aggressive than chloride ions for the SCC susceptibility of the specimens with the most severe sensitization. On the basis of the results obtained, the effect of sensitization on SCC, the role of sulphate ions and an intergranular mechanism were discussed in comparison to the results of the sensitized specimens obtained in 0.82 kmol/m³ HCl solution.     

Stress corrosion cracking of gas pipelines - Effect of surface roughness, orientations and flattening

The primary corrosion mitigation of the external surface of high pressure steel gas pipelines is protective coatings with secondary protection usually by cathodic protection. Adhesion and resistance to cathodic disbondment of the coating is critical for its integrity and grit blasting is an important process in achieving this adhesion. The effect of surface roughness, from grit blasting, on the intergranular stress corrosion cracking resistance of X70 gas pipelines was investigated using slow strain rate testing in carbonate/bicarbonate solution at 75 °C. The effect of orientation of test pieces with respect to the axial direction of pipes was also investigated.Time to failure ratios decreased with increasing surface roughness indicating reduced stress corrosion cracking resistance. The reduced resistance to cracking with increasing roughness would be predominantly associated with stress concentration effects related to the surface roughness resulting from the grit blasting. Crack concentration decreased with increasing roughness, which is likely to be associated with the concentration of surface damage from the grit blasting using varying sized grit. As formed pipe surfaces, with no grit blasting, resulted in some of the lowest time to failure ratios and hence some of the lowest resistances to stress corrosion cracking. These also showed some of the deepest cracks. The influence of roughness and residual stresses on threshold stress is currently being investigated.Time to failure ratios indicated a greater resistance to stress corrosion cracks for circumferentially orientated test pieces compared to those longitudinally orientated. Whilst further testing would be required for confirmation, the current results suggest that flattening the test pieces had only a minor, if any, effect on stress corrosion cracking susceptibility as measured by slow strain rate testing to fracture.     

Constant strain-rate testing of AISI type 304 stainless steel in 0.5 M H2SO4 + 0.1 M NaCl solution at room temperature with controlled potential

The constant strain-rate (CSR) test method has been applied to investigate the stress corrosion cracking (SCC) susceptibility of AISI Type 304 stainless steel in 0.5 M H₂SO₄ + 0.1 M NaCl at 25°C within a range of controlled potentials. Cracks were found to form in two distinct potential regions: in the cathodic range, and in the passive potential region. A clear differentiation between the two observed types of cracks was attempted. Crack morphology, the measured current during straining and the reduction of area were used as criteria. SCC was found to occur essentially in the passive potential region; in the cathodic range the cracks were due to hydrogen embrittlement.     

黄铜应力腐蚀敏感性及其与脱Zn层拉应力的对应性

测量了不同极化电位下,Ｈ６２黄铜在氨水溶液腐蚀过程中表面脱Ｚｎ蔬松层引起的拉应力,并用单边缺口试样测量的不同极化电位下的应力腐蚀敏感性,结果表明：黄铜在氨水中自然腐蚀时,在脱Ｚｎ层界面会产生 大的拉应力,整个试样的平均应力为σ＝１８．１ＭＰａ;阳极极化使表面拉应力略有下降,阴极极化则使疏松层引起的拉应力急剧下降乃至为零,阴极极化在表层产生镀Ｃｕ层后出现尖力;应力腐蚀敏感性随外加电位的变化规律和疏松     

管线钢在近中性pH值溶液中的应力腐蚀开裂

用电化学极化测试技术、慢应变速率拉伸试验研究了 管道钢(16Mn钢)在近中性pH值溶液中的应力腐蚀行为,并探讨了外加电位、CO2、温度等 因素的影响.结果表明,应力腐蚀开裂为氢脆型应力腐蚀开裂;随着阴极电位的增加SCC敏 感性增大,溶液中加入CO2后对应力腐蚀有着明显的促进作用.     

Slow strain rate testing of high-strength aluminium alloy plate in an aqueous solution of 3% NaCl + 0.3% H2O2

The stress corrosion cracking (SCC) behaviour of aluminium alloy plate materials was investigated in the short transverse direction using the slow strain rate (SSR) testing technique. The synthetic environment used was an aqueous solution of 3% NaCl + 0.3% H₂O₂. Reference tests under constant deformation and alternate immersion conditions according to ASTM G44 were performed, too. Both static and dynamic loading tests indicate high SCC susceptibility with the alloys 2024-T351, 2091-T8X51, 7050 T651 and 7475-T651. For the alloy 8090-T8171, a low SCC resistance is found in the alternate immersion tests, whereas a rather moderate sensitivity is observed performing SSR tests. The SSR testing technique fails to indicate the SCC sensitivity of the more resistant alloys 2024-T851 and 7050-T7651. As demonstrated by pre-exposure tests, the reduction of fracture energy observed with the latter alloys as well as with the immune alloys 7050-T7351 and 7475-T7351 is caused by pitting and intergranular corrosion. Using an aqueous solution of 3% NaCl + 0.3% H₂O₂, the SSR testing technique is a useful rapid method to screen wrought aluminium alloys which are quite sensitive to environmentally assisted cracking. Because chloride-peroxide solutions are also conducive to corrosion processes independent of stress, pre exposure tests are required to be incorporated into such sorting tests.     

氯化物溶液中敏化304不锈钢应力腐蚀开裂的临界电位

研究了氯化物浓度、溶液温度、应力及敏化程度对敏化304不锈钢在NaCI水溶液中晶间型应力腐蚀开裂的影响。结果表明，材料的敏化程度、NaCI浓度、溶液温度和应力对敏化304不锈钢的ER.SCC有显著的影响，敏化304不锈钢的DR．SCC低于ER．CREV，应力腐蚀开裂发生在正于ER．SCC的电位范围，而电位低于该值则免于发生应力腐蚀开裂，由此得知，ER．SCC可适用于评价敏化不锈钢的应力腐蚀开裂敏感性。     

Assessment of the electrochemical corrosion properties and environmentally induced cracking of an A106 Gr B steel pipe weld in a NaCl solution saturated with H2S gas

In the area of heavy construction, welding processes are vital in the production and maintenance of pipelines and power plants. The fusion welding process generates formidable welding residual stress and metallurgical change, which together increase the crack driving force and reduce the resistance against brittle fracturing and environmental fracturing. This is a serious problem with many alloys, and it also arises in A106 Gr B steel pipes. This type of piping, which is used in petrochemical and heavy chemical plants, either degrades due to the corrosive environment, e.g., those containing chlorides and sulfides, and/or become damaged during service due to various corrosion damage mechanisms. Thus, in this study, after numerical and experimental analyses of the welding residual stress of a multi-pass welded A106 Gr B steel pipe weld, the electrochemical corrosion properties and environmentally induced cracking of an A106 Gr B steel pipe weld were assessed in a 5.0 wt.% NaCl solution that was saturated with H2S gas at room temperature on the basis of NACE TM 0177-90. In terms of sulfide stress corrosion cracking (SSCC) and sulfide corrosion fatigue (SCF), the low SSCC limit of smooth specimens, σ_SSCCsmooth, and the SCF limit, Δσ_SCF, were 46 % and 32 % (160 MPa) of the ultimate tensile strength (502 MPa) of an A106 Gr B steel pipe weld, respectively. Further, (Δσ_res)_SCF was assessed under 75 MPa, which is 15 % of the tensile strength.     

Stress corrosion cracking susceptibilities of Fe3Al-based iron aluminides

The susceptibilities to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) were investigated using the constant-potential U-bend SCC test. U-bend SCC evaluations were conducted on two iron aluminide compositions based on Fe₃Al and containing 2 and 5 at.% Cr in acid-chloride (pH = 4200 ppm Cl), thiosulfate, and tetrathionate solutions at the freely-corroding conditions. Cracking failures occurred in the thiosulfate and tetrathionate solutions, but not in the acid-chloride solution. The iron aluminides were very susceptible to the sulfur-bearing environments in terms of SCC and aqueous corrosion characteristics. To investigate the effect of applied potential on the cracking behavior, U-bend tests were conducted in the acid-chloride solution at an anodic pitting potential and at cathodic hydrogen-evolution potentials. Cracking occurred within 200 h only at the highly negative cathodic potentials and only for the lower Cr composition. These results indicated that two iron aluminides investigated are susceptible to SCC in acid-chloride solution if the corrosion potential is sufficiently active to generate hydrogen, that the cracking mechanism was related to hydrogen embrittlement. The resistance to hydrogen embrittlement cracking increased with increasing Cr content, i.e., higher Cr levels were beneficial in minimizing this form of cracking. Increased resistance to cracking for the U-bend specimens is influenced by the chemical composition of the passive film. Metallographic examinations by scanning electron microscopy revealed that increasing Cr content decreased the proportion of transgranular cleavage cracking and increased the proportion of intergranular cracking.     

Effects of testing variables on stress corrosion cracking susceptibility of Al 2024-T351

In the present study, the effects of testing variables on stress corrosion cracking (SCC) susceptibility of Al 2024-T351 in 3.5% NaCl solution were examined using slow strain rate test (SSRT) method with controlled applied potentials and a constant load test (CLT) method. The SSRTs were conducted at various strain rates and applied potential, while the CLTs were performed with different exposure time, with different grain directions of ST (short-transverse) and L (longitudinal) to understand how the testing parameters affected on the SCC susceptibility of Al 2024-T351. The percent reductions in tensile elongation in an SCC-causing environment over those in air tended to express the SCC susceptibility of Al 2024-T351 most properly for both SSRT and CLT. The present fractographic examination suggested that both anodic dissolution and hydrogen embrittlement played a role in the SCC process of Al 2024-T351 in 3.5% NaCl solution at both anodic and cathodic applied potentials, and the contribution of each mechanism could vary with different testing variables. It was also found that the SCC susceptibility of Al 2024-T351 obtained from the CLT result could provide the similar SCC evaluation result obtained by SSRT with a proper selection of testing variables. The metallurgical aspect of SCC behaviour of Al 2024-T351 was also discussed based on the microstructural and fractographic examinations.