The Effects of Surface Mechanical Attrition Treatment (SMAT) on the Electrochemical and Surface Properties of Alloy 600

Abstract

Alloy 600 steam generator (SG) tubing has been shown to be highly susceptible to stress corrosion cracking (SCC). Alloy 800 was developed as a replacement, though it has shown susceptibility to corrosion under certain conditions. Hence, surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT) was employed to alter the surface properties of the SG tubing with an objective of improving its corrosion resistance. Hardness and micro-strain measurements were performed to determine the changes in the physical properties. Modifications to the electrochemical and surface properties were investigated using electrochemical techniques, X- ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES).