SEDL / STP / STP1210-EB / STP12763S

Use of Slow Strain Rate Tests to Evaluate the Embrittlement of Aluminum and Stainless Alloys in Process Environments Containing Mercury

Kane, RD
Cortest Laboratories, Inc., Houston, TX

Wu, D
Cortest Laboratories, Inc., Houston, TX

Wilhelm, SM
Cortest Laboratories, Inc., Houston, TX

Pages: 12    Published: Jan 1993

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Abstract

As a process contaminant, mercury is a significant problem due to its ability to induce liquid metal attack (LMA) and embrittlement (LME) in some alloys of construction. Aluminum alloys are particularly susceptible to LME. Several test methods (i.e., constant load tensile tests, fracture mechanics crack growth tests, and slow strain rate tests) were used to evaluate LME in aluminum alloys along with AISI 304 stainless steel. Additionally, the effect of various surface treatments on LME of aluminum alloys was also examined. This paper evaluates the effectiveness of the various testing techniques and results obtained in laboratory studies conducted in elemental mercury.