Evaluation of caustic embrittlement susceptibility of steels by slow strain rate testing

This article investigates applicability of slow strain rate testing (SSRT), which is a common testing technique for determining susceptibility to caustic cracking/stress corrosion cracking (SCC). The results suggest the need for investigating a wide range of strain rates, while investigating the role of other test/process variables. The findings of this investigation provide recommendations of thorough testing with carefully selected test parameters, in order for SSRT to provide caustic cracking susceptibility data that can be confidently used by the alumina processing industry.