Stress Corrosion Cracking

Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) is a type of corrosion that occurs in materials under stress and in the presence of a corrosive environment. SCC is a process that can lead to the failure of a material through the combined action of tensile stress and corrosion. SCC is a significant concern in industries that rely on metals, alloys, and polymers, especially in applications with common high-stress and corrosive environments.

SCC occurs when a material is exposed to a corrosive environment and subjected to tensile stress from external forces or internal pressures. The tensile stress can be caused by various factors, including mechanical loading, thermal cycling, residual stress, or even the weight of the material itself.

In a corrosive environment, the combination of tensile stress and corrosion can cause the material to crack and ultimately fail. The cracks usually form in a direction perpendicular to the tensile stress and can propagate rapidly, leading to catastrophic failure.

SCC can occur in various materials, including metals, alloys, and polymers. It is often difficult to detect because it can occur under conditions that do not visibly damage the material. SCC can be prevented by using materials that are more resistant to corrosion, using protective coatings, and reducing stresses in the material.