Effect of Chloride Ion on Stress Corrosion Crack Growth Rate of 316L Stainless Steel in High Temperature Pure Water

The effect of chloride ions on stress corrosion crack (SCC) growth rate of 316L stainless steel (SS) was studied in high temperature pure water of nuclear power plant environment. The stress corrosion crack length was continuously monitored by direct current potential drop under constant K of 27.5 MPa•m^1/2. The results show that Cl^- accelerates SCC growth rate of 316L SS in high temperature deoxygenated water. In addition, the effect of Cl^- on SCC growth rate is more remarkable in the presence of dissolved oxygen (DO) in high temperature pure water.