Effects of Lead and Boride Inhibitors on the Passivity of Nickel Alloy 600 Surface

Abstract:

Corrosion-resistant nickel-based Alloy 600 is susceptible to a lead-induced stress corrosion cracking (PbSCC) in aqueous solutions. The lead species incorporated into the oxide at the alloy surface degraded the passivity, and caused the PbSCC. Effects of lead on the properties of the surface passive films were investigated. The cross sections of the surface films were examined by the transmission electron microscopy and the species present in the films were analyzed with the energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy and the x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In-depth concentration profiles of the species were analyzed by using an ion sputtering technique. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy technique was used to characterize the electrochemical behaviors. Effectiveness of a nickel boride inhibitor was evaluated. The boride inhibitor altered the properties of the passive film, and significantly reduced the susceptibility to the PbSCC.