Corrosion resistance of austenitic Fe-Cr-Ni-Mo alloys in marine environments

The corrosion resistance of commercial austenitic alloys in the Fe-Cr-Ni-Mo system in marine environments has been reviewed. The types of corrosion examined include intergranular corrosion, stress-corrosion cracking, corrosion fatigue, pitting, crevice corrosion, galvanic corrosion, cavitation damage, and erosion-corrosion. Particular emphasis has been placed on examining how metallurgical factors affect these forms of corrosion. Of the various forms of corrosive attack that Fe-Cr-Ni-Mo alloys can suffer, crevice corrosion is of most concern in sea water. Prevention of crevice-corrosion problems in service via correct alloy selection and weld-overlay techniques is discussed. Areas needing further corrosion testing and new alloy development are identified.