Effect of cathodic polarization on the corrosion cracking rate in pipe steels

Cathodic polarization can both inhibit and promote the growth of corrosion cracks in pipe steels. The promoting effect indicates that corrosion cracking follows the mechanism of hydrogen embrittlement. The critical current of hydrogen penetration across a steel membrane can serve as a criterion for the risk of embrittlement. Critical currents of hydrogen penetration for 14Γ2CAΦ and X70 steels were determined.