Stress corrosion cracking behavior of 316 L SS in HF vapor environment based on corrosion degradation as a precursor

The stress corrosion susceptibility and stress corrosion cracking (SCC) behavior of 316 L SS in HF vapor was investigated through slow strain rate test (SSRT) and constant strain test. Results show that the SCC susceptibility of 316 L reaches almost 77% in HF vapor at 50 °C. The preferential reaction between F ^- and (Fe, Cr) elements results in granular corrosion product growing on surface and dealloying region forming near surface, which are important precursors for crack incubation. The {111}< 110 > slip system is prone to be activated under tensile loading, which tears granular corrosion product and dealloying region, causing transgranular SCC.