Cracking or fracturing that occurs between the grains or crystals in a polycrystalline aggregate. Also called intercrystalline cracking. Contrast with transgranular cracking.

See hydrogen embrittlement.

The current distribution in an electrolytic cell that is free of polarization.

See galvanostatic.

Resin formed by condensation of polybasic and monobasic acids with polyhydric alcohols.

The component of either a liquid or solid solution that is present to a greater or major extent; the component that dissolves the solute.

In fatigue, the variation in the stress-intensity factor in cycle, that is, Kmax-Kmin.

See hydrogenembriltlement.

Corrosion that proceeds laterally from the sites of initiation along planes parallel to the surface, generally at grain boundaries, forming corrosion products that force metal away from the body of the material, giving rise to a layered appearance.

See intergranular corrosion.

The formation of isolated particles of corrosion products beneath the metal surface. This occurs as the result of preferential oxidation of certain alloy constituents by inward diffusion of oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and so forth.

The technique for maintaining a constant electrode potential.

The liquor resulting from dissolving molten melt irom the kraft recovery furnace in water. See also kraft process and smelt.

A gaseous environment containing hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide in hydrocarbon reservoirs. Prolonged exposure to sour gas can lead to hydrogen damage, sulfide-stress cracking, and/or stress-corrosion cracking in ferrous alloys.

Electrode potential where half-cell reaction involves only the metal electrode and its ion.

An atom, or group of atoms, that has gained or lost one or more outer electrons and thus carries an electric charge. Positive ions, or cations, are deficient in outer electrons. Negative ions, or anions, have an excess of outer electrons.

See electrical resistivity.

Reduction in mechanical properties of a metal as a result of local penetration of solder along grain boundaries.

Corrosive attack that progresses preferentially along interdendritic paths. This type of attack results from local differences in composition, such as coring commonly encountered in alloy castings.

The swelling or bubbling of a coating usually because of heating (term currently used in space and fire protection applications).