Microstructural effects on microdeformation and primary-side stress corrosion cracking of Alloy 600 tubing: Final report

Microdeformation characteristics in Alloy 600 tubing have been examined after various tensile deformations. Microstructure developed during processing was found to control subsequent microdeformation behavior. Grain boundary carbides were the most effective source of dislocations, activating at lower macro-strains and continuing to operate at higher macro-strains than other sources. Ledges within grain boundaries, twin boundaries and matrix carbides also acted as dislocation sources. Most dislocation activity at low strains was confined to planar arrays. A conceptual model is presented to account for the effects of interfacial and matrix microstructure on microdeformation and primary-side SCC of Alloy 600 tubing. Microstructure is linked to IGSCC resistance through its influence on microdeformation behavior and the resultant crack-tip stress state. Dislocation source activity at grain interfaces is proposed to be a critical aspect controlling IGSCC susceptibility. Effective sources such as grain boundary carbides promote crack blunting, decrease the crack-tip stress state and increase resistance to cracking