Revealing the effect of heat treatment on stress corrosion cracking behavior of Monel 400 alloy in hydrofluoric acid vapor environment

The effect of heat treatment (HT) on the stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of Monel 400 alloy in hydrofluoric acid (HF) vapor was investigated through cracking crystallographic analysis. The SCC resistance is ordered as 750 degrees C-HT > AR > 850 degrees C-HT > 950 degrees C-HT > 1050 degrees C-HT, while the SCC failure mechanism is similar which is active dissolution-slip tearing. HT increases grain size and reduces residual strain, and large grains promote both slip and active dissolution, all contributing to higher SCC susceptibility. In addition, residual strain accelerates corrosion degradation, which counteracts the beneficial effect of fine grain on SCC resistance. Data availability: The raw/processed data required to reproduce these findings cannot be shared at this time due to technical or time limitations. They can be provided on request.

Automated summary

The effect of heat treatment on the stress corrosion cracking of Monel 400 alloy in hydrofluoric acid vapor was studied using cracking crystallographic analysis. Different heat treatment temperatures have varying effects on the SCC of the alloy, with heat treatment increasing grain size and reducing residual strain. Large grains promote slip and active dissolution, increasing SCC susceptibility.