Characterization of non-metallic inclusions in corrosion -resistance nickel - based EP718 and 718 alloys by using electrolytic extraction method

Abstract

It is known that non-metallic inclusions (NMI) that are formed during steel production and heat treatment can significantly affect the properties of final steel products. Therefore, it is very important to be able to determine the content of harmful NMI in steels. Nickel-based alloys are widely used in the oil and gas recovery industry, due to a good combination of strength and corrosion properties. Earlier studies have shown that the corrosion properties in immersion test and electrochemical tests for Ni-based EP718 alloys are slightly lower than that for 718 alloys. The focus in this study was the influence of different NMI on the corrosion resistance of these alloys. The characteristics of inclusions (such as size, morphology, and chemical composition) were analysed by using the electrolytic extraction method followed by three-dimensional investigations using SEM in combination with EDS. It was found that some non-metallic inclusions in EP718 alloys significantly reduce its corrosion resistance. It was also shown that a primary dissolution of the metal matrix occurs around certain inclusions during electrolytic extraction. Based on obtained results, the corrosion active non-metallic inclusions can be determined in these Nickel-base alloys and some recommendations for optimization of their production technology can be formulated.