Stress-corrosion failure of austenitic stainless steel

Stabilised austenitic stainless steels are not susceptible to failure by intergranular corrosion. The addition of titanium or columbium does not however confer immunity from stress-corrosion attack usually manifested through transgranular failure of the material. Failures of austenitic stainless steel by stress-corrosion in the presence of chloride ions are known. Industrial failure of stabilised austenitic stainless steel in sulphuric acid (2-5%) and ammonium sulphate at 90-100°C was investigated and attributed to stress-corrosion attack. (Dr. A.B. Chatterjea, Assistant Director and Dr. B.R. Nijhawan, Director, National Metallurgical Laboratory)