Title

Crevice Corrosion of Alloy 625 in Chlorinated Astm Artificial Ocean Water

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Spring 1994

Abstract

Factors controlling the initiation and propagation of crevice corrosion on alloy 625 (UNS N06625) in ocean water of ambient temperature were explored within the contexts of the Oldfield-Sutton model for critical crevice corrosion solution (CCS) development and the ohmic criterion for crevice corrosion initiation. Data supported an earlier claim that a critical potential drop must be exceeded to initiate crevice corrosion. Steady-state crevice corrosion propagation was found to be under ohmic control. Chlorine decreased the time required for initiation and possibly raised propagation rates in ASTM artificial ocean water. Addition of molybdate (MoO42­) to ocean water (simulating the dissolution of alloyed molybdenum [Mo]) delayed initiation and reduced propagation rates temporarily, but not sufficiently to explain fully the inhibiting effects of alloyed Mo. Beneficial effects on crevice corrosion susceptibility of alloyed Mo and equivalent chromium (Creq) concentration were examined critically in the context of the two models by comparing alloys 625, C-276 (UNS N10276), and G-3 (UNS N06985) in several simulated CCS. Alloyed Mo lowered passive current densities, decreased the tendency for the primary passive potential to increase with increasing acidity, and lowered the anodic dissolution rate in the active polarization region. This implied Localized corrosion resistance of alloy 625 (UNS N06625)(1) in ocean water of ambient temperature has been attributed to the synergistic passivating influence of 20 wt% to 23 wt% chromium (Cr) and 8 wt% to 10 wt% molybdenum (Mo).1-3 Other factors such as niobium (Nb) content,4 surface finish,5-7 and heat treatment4,7 also have been reported to contribute. However, alloy 625 has been found to be prone to crevice corrosion in chlorinated ocean water when exposed to certain crevice solution chemistries that are possible only in very tight crevices characterized by a narrow gap and extreme depth.8-9 The present study focused on the influence of ocean water chlorination and alloyed Mo on crevice corrosion initiation and propagation. Chlorination was of interest since ocean water piping systems constructed of alloy 625 do not have the intrinsic biofouling resistance of cupronickel alloys.10-11 Chlorination has been shown to enhance crevice corrosion.8 Alloyed Mo was emphasized because the increased Mo content (15 wt% to 17 wt%) in alloy C-276 (UNS N10276) relative to alloy 625 (8 wt% to 10 wt%) rendered alloy 251

Volume

50

Issue

4

First Page

251

Last Page

265

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