Effect of Solution Composition and Electrochemical Potential on Stress Corrosion Cracking of X-52 Pipeline Steel

Abstract
Electrochemical measurements and constant extension rate tests (CERT) of cold-worked X-52 carbon steel showed stress corrosion cracking (SCC) can be induced in aqueous sulfate (SO42−), bicarbonate (HCO3), and simulated soil solutions at 50°C. Susceptibility to SCC was at a minimum near the corrosion potential (Ecorr) and increased as the cathodic potential increased. SCC decreased at anodic potentials when general metal dissolution or passivation occurred. Cracking was mainly transgranular (TG) at Ecorr and at cathodic potentials. There was strong experimental evidence that SCC was caused by the entrance of atomic hydrogen into the metal.