Stress corrosion cracking behavior of Ni28Mo-alloys: Recent research data

Nickel-molybdenum alloys of the type Ni28Mo/alloy B-2 may fail in service due to stress corrosion cracking in components, where a high heat input during manufacturing or repair such as repeated welding operations may have occurred. Therefore, various tests in solution annealed and aged condition on different alloy compositions have been done with respect to stress corrosion resistance, uniform and intergranular corrosion and time-temperature-sensitization behavior. Stress corrosion sensitivity of the Ni28Mo materials in the aged condition is dependent on the alloys degree of ordering which is delayed by increasing alloying additions of iron and chromium. Therefore, in order to improve the stress corrosion resistance these alloying additions have to be increased beyond the limits being set for the current alloy B-2 grade. Consequently, a new Ni28Mo alloy type, alloy B-4 is proposed being alloyed with 2--5 wt % Fe and 0.5--1.5 wt % Cr. This new Ni28Mo alloy exhibits a considerably improved resistance to stress corrosion cracking which is achieved without impairing the resistance to overall uniform and to intergranular corrosion. Resistance to sensitization is also improved.