SCC of X‐52 and X‐60 weldements in diluted NaHCO3 solutions with chloride and sulfate ions

Stress corrosion cracking tests were performed in both X‐52 and X‐60 weldments in sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) solutions at 50°C using the Slow Strain Rate Testing (SSRT) technique. Solution concentrations varied between 0.1 to 0.0001 M, and to simulate the NS‐4 solution, chloride (Cl^?) and/or sulfate ( ) ions were added to the 0.01 M solution. Tests were complemented with hydrogen permeation measurements and polarization curves. It was found that the corrosion rate, taken as the corrosion current, I_corr, was maximum in 0.01 M NaHCO₃ and with additions of ions. Higher or lower solution concentrations or additions of Cl^? alone decreased the corrosion rate of the weldment. The SSC susceptibility, measured as the percentage reduction in area, was maximum in 0.01M NaHCO₃. Higher or lower solution concentrations of additions of Cl^? or decreased the SCC susceptibility of the weldment. The amount of hydrogen uptake for the weldment was also highest in 0.01 M NaHCO₃ solution, but it was minimum with the addition of Cl^? or ions. Thus, the most likely mechanism for the cracking susceptibility of X‐52 and X‐60 weldments in diluted NaHCO₃ solutions seems to be hydrogen‐assisted anodic dissolution.