Electrochemical tests alloy sensitization

Attempts to assess sensitization in Type 304 alloy by means of 5-15 min potentiostatic electrochemical tests in solutions that simulated exactly the plant conditions have been shown to be invalid [42]. This testing period is much too short for testing in simulated service conditions, i.e., the electrode potential applied to the specimen in the laboratory test, the solution compositions, and temperature were the same as those to be used in plant service. Thus, there was no accelerating factor in the laboratory test and it would have had to be just as long as a plant test, perhaps 3-12 months, to determine whether or not the material would be subject to intergranular attack in plant service. 

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