Transgranular Stress Corrosion Cracking of X-80 and X-52 Pipeline Steels in Dilute Aqueous Solution with Near-Neutral pH Available to Purchase

Slow strain rate tests (SSRT) and fractographic examination of X-80 and X-52 pipeline steels showed transgranular stress corrosion cracking (TGSCC) could occur in a dilute aqueous solution with near-neutral pH. SCC intensity increased as the applied electrochemical potential and strain rates decreased. Hydrogen precharging or addition of carbon dioxide (CO₂) facilitated the process of SCC, suggesting that dissolution and hydrogen ingress were involved in the cracking process.