Evaluation of environment-assisted cracking susceptibility of a grade X100 pipeline steel

Susceptibility of as-received grade X100 steel was compared to that of simulated and seam-weld heat-affected zone microstructures by slow strain rate testing in a sodium hydrogen carbonate–sodium carbonate solution at 75 °C over a potential range of −500 to −1100 mV vs. standard calomel electrode (sce).Heat treatment has an effect on the resistance of the steel to environment-assisted cracking. Stress corrosion cracking at anodic potentials was intergranular (IG) and became transgranular (TG) as the free corrosion potential of −890 mV (sce) was approached. At cathodic potentials, transgranular hydrogen embrittlement occurred with faster growth rates up to 1.4 × 10−5 mm/s and less secondary cracking.

► The effect of heat treatment on the susceptibility of X100 steel to EAC was studied.
► Changes in microstructure of simulated heat-affected zones have been investigated.
► Potential ranges of SCC and hydrogen embrittlement are identified.
► Regions of IG and TG cracking modes are characterised.