Studies on the stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of austenitic stainless steels (SSs) in polythionic acids were conducted using U-bend specimens. The effect of stress and sensitization on the electrochemical behavior of these steels was studied by anodic polarization. Open circuit potential (OCP) vs time studies were conducted that gave an indication of the time for the crack initiation for each grade of SS investigated. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies of the surface film formed on the SSs by interaction of polythionic acids were also made. They revealed the presence of oxides and sulfides of Fe and Mn in the surface film. Fractographic studies revealed the intergranular mode of SCC.

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National Association of Corrosion Engineers
1987
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