Abstract
Degradation of an Inconel 601 superalloy subjected to a eutectic mixture of carbonate salt at 450°C was studied using advanced microscopy and microanalysis techniques. On the outside of the vessel, long term exposure to elevated temperature led to intergranular stress corrosion cracking via a stress assisted oxidation process. Elemental analysis verified diffusion controlled de-alloying of Ni and Cr from grain boundaries. Transmission electron microscopy showed that a (CrFeNiAl)3O4 oxide phase was formed at grain boundaries as a result of oxygen penetration. Intergranular cracking appeared due to the presence of residual stresses and microstructural heterogeneities facilitated the crack branching.
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