The problem of polythionic acid stress corrosion cracking of sensitized stainless steels has been known since the 1940's. Recent evidence indicates that the active corrodents causing this are the thiosulfate and tetrathionate anions. They function by adsorbing on the steel surface and promoting anodic dissolution of the chromium depleted steel. The adsorbate exhibits in ESCA analysis peaks corresponding to the thiosulfate itself. Cracking inhibitors function not by desorbing the thiosulfate but by promoting passivation.

Subject
Anions, Sulfur, Water, Adsorption, Stimulation, Anodic dissolution, Current densities, Thiosulfate, Metals, Steel, Polythionic acid, Cracks, Stress corrosion cracking
© 1985 Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP). All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of AMPP. Positions and opinions advanced in this work are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AMPP. Responsibility for the content of the work lies solely with the author(s).
1985
Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP)
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