High Temperature Electrochemical Studies of the Stress Corrosion of Type 304 Stainless Steel

Abstract Stress corrosion studies have been conducted with Type 304 stainless steel using a variety of electrochemical techniques at elevated temperatures. The object of these studies was to determine material response in simulated boiling water reactor environments. Anodic polarization curves and straining electrode experiments were conducted in 0.01 N Na2SO4. In addition, the change of corrosion potential with oxygen was determined in pure water. By correlating the straining electrode results with potential-oxygen studies, the minimum oxygen concentration and limiting potential required to prevent intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) were determined for a specific heat of as-welded Type 304 stainless steel. Comparison of the anodic polarization curves with straining electrode results indicated that intergranular stress corrosion could occur at potentials in excess of the primary passivation potential.