A Modified Double Loop EPR Technique for Detection of Sensitization in Cast Stainless Steel

Abstract

The double loop electrochemical potentiodynamic reactivation technique was developed to detect sensitization in wrought stainless steel. Because cast stainless steel has a different microstructure than wrought stainless steel, neither the double loop nor the single loop EPR technique has the selectivity required to detect sensitization. By using a modified double loop EPR technique in which the peak potential is raised to 450 mV vs. SCE, the sweep rate is slowed to 3 V/h, and the concentration is increased to 0.02M, sensitization can be detected in cast stainless steel.