Electrochemical characterisation of nickel-based alloys in sulphate solutions at 320 °C

Nickel alloy steam generator tubes of pressurized water reactors (PWR) are sensitive to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) and the possibility of predicting SCC from electrochemical measurements is of considerable interest for nuclear industry. The electrochemical properties of several nickel-based alloys were studied at 320 °C in sulphate solutions at neutral or slightly alkaline pH from corrosion potential measurements, polarisation curves and polarisation resistance (Rp) measurements by linear voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The passive layers were much more stable in neutral conditions, due to the presence of chromium oxide, and alloys 600TT and 690 showed the best passivity. Rp measurements confirmed that alloys 600TT and 690 have the lowest corrosion rates. At alkaline pH, the passivation currents were higher than those obtained at neutral pH, and the alloys showed a close behaviour. Reduction of sulphates to sulphides seemed to be possible. Results are in agreement with thermodynamic and surface analysis data of literature. The electrochemical stability did not appear to be directly related to SCC susceptibility since it varied inversely with the pH dependance of SCC in sulphate medium.