Intergranular corrosion in metals and alloys

This occurs especially inside metals and alloys or in the areas closed to the metal grain limit. This attack can have consequences such as mechanical integrity failure, localised perforation and fluid losses in pipes and equipment, resulting from a corrosion process.

Sometimes, intergranular corrosion sensitivity can occur in some corrosive environments when the metal or alloy is exposed to temperature ranges in which precipitates and other microstructural changes in the metal grain limit are formed.

The control methods, depending on the scenario, environment, type of metal or alloy, can be, among others:

• Evaluation, control and adequate thermal treatments.
• Material changes (reduction of the interstices, adjustments in the alloy elements).
• Environmental changes (fluids and temperature).
• Coatings to forma barrier.
• Design of thermal treatments and welding processes.

Identifying corrosion shapes and failures requires specific knowledge, analytical resources, and experience.

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