The influence of non-metallic inclusions on the corrosion fatigue of mild steel

Abstract A study has been made of the effect of sulphide inclusions on the corrosion fatigue of mild steel in 0.6 M NaCl solutions. The results indicate that a sulphur-enriched band of ferrite exists around the inclusions and that corrosion occurs in this contaminated band, both in the presence and absence of applied stress. Cyclic stress enhances the formation and coalescence of micropits at and around the inclusions, leading to the nucleation of cracks.