Effect of temperature on stress corrosion cracking of 316 L stainless steel in high-temperature water

The effect of temperature on stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of 316L stainless steel in high-temperature water was investigated using slow strain rate tests. The fracture morphology of 316 L stainless steel SCC specimens were analyzed with the aid of SEM. The strain-stress results showed that 316 L stainless steel exhibited SCC sensitivity in high-temperature water from 200℃to 345℃, and its brittlement increased with increase temperature, indicating that the SCC sensitivity of 316 L stainless steel was raised. The fractography analysis results also proved this susceptibility clearly. The SCC sensitive temperature of 316 L stainless steel is 250℃, at which the edge fractography morphology of the specimens presented brittle fracture characteristics.