Contribution of solution pH and buffer capacity to suppress intergranular stress corrosion cracking of sensitized type 304 stainless steel at 95 degrees C
S. Zhang et al., Contribution of solution pH and buffer capacity to suppress intergranular stress corrosion cracking of sensitized type 304 stainless steel at 95 degrees C, CORROSION, 55(5), 1999, pp. 462-468
The effects of solution pH and buffer capacity on intergranular stress corr
osion cracking (IGSCC) of sensitized type 304 stainless steel ([SS] UNS S30
400) was examined at 95 degrees C by slow strain rate technique (SSRT) with
an in-situ cracking observation system, It was found that an increase in s
olution pH or buffer capacity increased crack initiation time and decreased
mean crack initiation frequency, but exerted almost no effect on crack pro
pagation. This inhibition effect on IGSCC initiation was explained as resul
ting from a retarding effect of solution pH and buffer capacity on the decr
ease in pH at crack nuclei caused by the hydrolysis of metal ions dissolved
when the passive film was ruptured by strain in SSRT.