Difference between alkali embrittlement and alkali corrosion
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Both alkali embrittlement and alkali corrosion can occur in carbon steel and 300-series stainless steels. Does the occurrence of alkali embrittlement necessarily imply the occurrence of alkali corrosion? Or, in conditions where alkaline corrosion occurs, could alkaline embrittlement occur? Thank you!
We know that metal materials are damaged by the influence of the surrounding medium, a phenomenon known as metal corrosion. Well, I would say that both alkaline embrittlement and alkaline corrosion are forms of corrosion; it’s just that their manifestations are different. Alkali embrittlement occurs when stress corrosion cracking takes place at a certain alkali concentration and temperature that falls within the range for alkali embrittlement. And corrosion that occurs even under conditions other than alkali embrittlement. Therefore, the occurrence of alkaline embrittlement is called alkaline corrosion. However, alkali corrosion does not necessarily lead to alkali embrittlement.
If it is within the temperature and concentration range for alkali embrittlement, which one occurs first?
Alkali embrittlement is cracking; alkali corrosion is more of a general corrosion