http://dx.doi.org/10.26740/jpfa.v2n2.

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DEFINITION
Intergranular corrosion (IGC) is a selective attack in the vicinity of the grain
boundaries of a stainless steel. It is as a result of chromium depletion, mainly due to
the precipitation of chromium carbides in the grain boundaries.
Intergranular corrosion occurs when the grain boundaries in a metal form
an anode and the interior of the grain acts as a cathode. In serious cases this can
lead to the grains falling apart.
This type of corrosion is a particular problem in stainless steels, however it
can also occur in other metals.
 HOW DID THIS HAPPEN ?

In stainless steels the problem occurs after the metal is

heated to between 425°C and 870°C. During the heating, the
chromium in the stainless steel reacts with carbon in the steel and
forms particles of chromium carbide at the grain boundaries. The
regions near the grain boundaries become depleted in chromium.
This means that the regions around the grain boundaries
are no longer protected by the chromium passivation, and therefore
corrode intergranularly.
 SENSITATION
Unfortunately the heating required is just that which occurs in parts of a metal
during welding. Areas to each side of the weld are heated to within this temperature range.
Chromium carbides form within these bands at each side of the weld. The effect is known as
sensitisation.
When the area around a weld becomes sensitised, it is very susceptible to
intergranular corrosion, and this is often termed weld decay.
HOW TO REDUCE THE RISK OF
INTERGRANULAR CORROSION (IGC)
Materials with less than 0.05% carbon normally
have sufficient resistance against intergranular corrosion
after welding. ELC (extra low carbon content) steels, i.e.
steels with maximum 0.030% carbon, have very good
resistance to intergranular corrosion. The same applies
to steels stabilized with titanium (Ti) or niobium (Nb),
since these types of steel form niobium or titanium
carbides instead of chromium carbides, thus avoiding
the critical decrease in the chromium content.
 INTERGRANULAR CORROSION TESTING

Intergranular corrosion (IGC) testing is the only corrosion test

performed as a standardized pre-delivery test. Strauss, Huey and Streicher
are the common test methods. They are carried out as a rule on samples
from finished tubes in the as-delivered condition or on material that has
been sensitized, i.e. heated in the critical temperature range in a furnace
or by welding.
FACTS IN BRIEF ABOUT
INTERGRANULAR CORROSION
• Intergranular corrosion (IGC) is a selective attack in the vicinity of the grain
boundaries of a stainless steel
• Chromium carbides can be precipitated if the stainless steel is sensitized in the
temperature range 550–850°C (1020–1560°F), for example during heat
treatment or welding
• Materials with good resistance to intergranular corrosion are steel grades with
low carbon content and Ti/Nb-stabilized steels
THANK YOU