In any research program designed to study the stress corrosion cracking of metals, selection of test method is critical. The final method used depends largely on the aims of the program. Different procedures are required for study of basic mechanisms as compared to evaluation of materials or specific environments.
Recently a need developed within the Du Pont Company for study of the contribution of a specific environment, namely, thermal insulation, to the stress-corrosion cracking of austenitic stainless steel equipment. A unique experimental technique has been devised to meet requirements of this research study. It is felt that this test procedure may be of interest to others investigating stress-corrosion cracking of materials of construction.
Service experience has shown that water-soluble chlorides will be leached from certain insulating materials if these materials are wetted. Furthermore, concentration to high chloride contents can occur at the surfaces of hot operating equipment. These conditions can...
