Effect of cold deformation on the stress corrosion cracking resistance of a high-strength stainless steel

The resistance to chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking was investigated on a high-strength CrNiMnMoN austenitic stainless steel in the hot-rolled and in different cold-drawn states. The resistance against chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking was determined by slow strain rate tests in different chloride containing solutions at elevated temperatures. A fracture analysis was carried out using scanning electron microscopy. Improved resistance is obtained by the formation of deformation-induced twins. In addition, synchrotron X-ray diffraction measurements show full austenite stability during all cold-drawing steps. Graphical abstract