Environmental cracking susceptibility of austenitic stainless steel alloys in acidified seawater

The stress corrosion cracking susceptibility of austenitic stainless steels SS304L, SS316L and SS904L was studied in an acidified seawater environment by slow strain rate testing at 24, 38 and 66$\sp\circ$C. Fractographic evidence of SCC susceptibility was obtained using scanning electron microscopy. The degree of susceptibility to SCC for each alloy in these environments is discussed based on the mechanical parameters, fractography and anodic polarization behavior. The results showed that SS904L performed better than SS304L and SS316L in the aforementioned environments.