Stress corrosion cracking mechanisms of alloy 600 polycrystals and single crystals in primary water—Influence of hydrogen

Abstract

This article investigates the mechanisms governing the process of alloy 600 stress corrosion cracking (SCC). Several critical points have been selected. First, the deleterious influence of cathodic polarization on alloy 600 SCC resistance has been assessed by slow strain rate tests (SSRTs) in primary water at 360 °C. The effects on crack initiation and propagation have been distinguished. Second, a global hydrogen embrittlement of alloy 600 has also been studied at different temperatures from 25 °C to 360 °C. Finally, the use of alloy 600 single crystals allowed clear separation of the crack initiation and crack propagation mechanisms. Transgranular SCC propagation has been precisely observed and described. The possible mechanisms for SCC initiation and propagation on polycrystals are then discussed.