Testing of susceptibility to intergranular corrosion in welded joints of austenitic stainless steel

The susceptibility to intergranular corrosion of welded joints of austenitic stainless steel X5CrNi18-10 was examined. The testing was performed by the electrochemical potentiokinetic reactivation method with single loop (EPR) and double loop (DL EPR). Also, the susceptibility to intergranular corrosion of stainless steels after senzibilization heat treatment (675 °C/1h) was examined. At given welding parameters (current intensity, the thickness of welded samples of stainless steel, etc.) the base metal is completely resistant to intergranular corrosion, while the heat affected zone shows a relatively low susceptibility to intergranular corrosion. After senzibilization heat treatment the stainless steel showed something higher susceptibility to intergranular corrosion. The advantages of applied electrochemical methods in relation to the classical chemical methods for intergranular corrosion testing were analyzed. DL EPR and EPR methods provide quantitative data on the sensitization degree to intergranular corrosion (in welded joints) and also to intergranular stress corrosion cracking.