The effect of temperature and H2S content on the cracking resistance of a 13% chromium martensitic stainless steel in acidified NaCl

Abstract

The cracking resistance of a 13% chromium martensitic stainless steel has been determined, using the slow strain rate technique, as a function of the temperature (23−80°C) and H2S content of acidified NaCl. A clear correlation between relative time-to-failure and sub-surface hydrogen content (Co) has been established at each temperature. However, it is shown that the predominant factor determining cracking is the fractional occupancy of reversible trap sites. A broad correlation has been identified between relative time-to-failure and fractional occupancy of traps irrespective of whether the latter is obtained by varying temperature, H2S content or pH (≤3.6).