Constant, slow extension rate tests in air and ASTM D1141 seawater were conducted on two cold
worked bars of Grade 2 IN686 (UNS N06686, 125 min. yield strength) where the cold work was
imparted using two different methods: conventional drawing and rotary forging. Baseline tests were
also conducted on Alloy K-500 (UNS N05500), which is a marine grade material currently in use.
Specimens were cathodically polarized to simulate catholic protection conditions and evaluate the
alloys’ resistance to hydrogen-assisted EAC (HEAC). Ductility measurements using elongation at
fracture and reduction in area were used to quantitatively evaluate the HEAC susceptibility. In addition,
qualitative fractographic assessments to identify EAC fracture modes were conducted using optical and
scanning electron microscopy. The strength and fracture morphology was found to vary with the
method of cold working employed. Susceptibility to HEAC was indicated for smooth specimens of
IN686 at -1.0 VSCE<.sub> and 9x10-7 in/sec elongation rate via test data and the presence of secondary
cracking. IN686 ductility losses were 25% at most, whereas Alloy K-500 measured a ductility loss of
more than 60% under the same conditions. The measured effect of a thread-like notch was to reduce
the elongation at fracture of IN686 to less than 10% for all conditions, and exacerbate the less ductile
fracture modes that were observed.
Key words: environmentally assisted cracking, hydrogen embrittlement, nickel alloys, cathodic
protection, marine corrosion