Temperature dependences of the oxide film thickness of nickel-based alloys were examined as
a mechanistic study of low potential stress corrosion cracking (LPSCC). Oxide films formed on Alloy 600,
Alloy 132, TT 690 and Alloy 600 (20%CW) were analyzed using Auger electron spectroscopy. Arrhenius
type temperature dependences were exhibited on all nickel-based alloys between 280 and 360°C.
Surface finish conditions also affected the oxide film thickness; thicker oxide formed on ground surfaces
than on mirror finished surfaces, which might be explained by the surface damaged layer of the ground
surfaces accelerating the oxidation. Even though TT 690 has extremely high SCC resistance, slightly
thicker oxide films were observed in comparison with Alloy 600 and Alloy 132. The results indicate that
the oxide film thickness is not directly related to the SCC growth rate, implying that other factors have a
greater influence on LPSCC.
Keywords: nickel-based alloy, pressurized water reactor, corrosion, oxide film, temperature dependence,
stress corrosion cracking