In the present study alloys 600 and 690 were tested in simulated PWR primary water, at 360°C, under electrochemical conditions corresponding to Ni/NiO equilibrium potential which corresponds to the maximum sensitivity of alloy 600 to crack initiation. The potential was adjusted through imposed hydrogen partial pressure. The resulting oxidised structures (corrosion scale and underlying metal) were examined by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) using cross section specimens. For both of these two alloys Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) analysis revealed a chromium rich oxide layer,
the underlying metal being chromium depleted. In addition for alloy 600, the chemical composition of the metal close to the oxide scale has been analysed using EDX in a Scanning Electron Microscope equipped
with a Field Emission Gun (FEG-SEM) and Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS). Oxygen has been detected in themetal grain boundaries under the oxide scale. Implication of such a finding on the crack initiation mechanisms in alloy 600 is discussed.
Keywords • Stress Corrosion Cracking, alloy 600, alloy 690, primary water, SCC, crack initiation, SIMS, TEM, intergranular corrosion.