Localized Corrosion Behavior of Inconel 718 in a Chloride-Containing Aqueous Solution

Localized corrosion behavior of Ni-based Inconel 718 alloy was investigated by electrochemical anodic polarization techniques in NACE TM 0177 A solution of 5 wt% NaCl + 0.5 wt% acetic acid at room temperature. After the solution heat treated at 1080 degrees C for 2.5 h, Inconel 718 was age-hardened at 780 degrees C for 8 h. The microstructure of the alloy surface was investigated by optical microscopic or scanning electron microscopic technique. The austenitic phase with the presence of metal carbides was observed on the surface of Inconel 718. Metal-carbides such as Nb-Mo and Ti-carbide with diameters of approximately 10 and 3 mu m, respectively, were formed in Inconel 718. Anodic polarization results revealed that localized corrosion was observed at the interface between austenitic phase of a substrate and metal carbides. Difference in electrochemical property between a metal carbide and an austenitic substrate could provide an initiation site for localized corrosion of Inconel 718 surface.