NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.

Contact ASTM International ([Link]) for the latest information.

Designation: A 262 – 01

Standard Practices for

Detecting Susceptibility to Intergranular Attack in Austenitic
Stainless Steels1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A 262; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope tates. These specimens will have low corrosion rates in certain
1.1 These practices cover the following five tests: corrosion tests and therefore can be eliminated (screened) from
1.1.1 Practice A—Oxalic Acid Etch Test for Classification testing as “acceptable.”
of Etch Structures of Austenitic Stainless Steels (Sections 3 to 1.4 The ferric sulfate–sulfuric acid test, the copper–copper
7, inclusive), sulfate–50 % sulfuric acid test, and the nitric acid test are based
1.1.2 Practice B—Ferric Sulfate–Sulfuric Acid Test for on weight loss determinations and, thus, provide a quantitative
Detecting Susceptibility to Intergranular Attack in Austenitic measure of the relative performance of specimens evaluated. In
Stainless Steels (Sections 8 to 14, inclusive), contrast, the copper–copper sulfate–16 % sulfuric acid test is
1.1.3 Practice C—Nitric Acid Test for Detecting Suscepti- based on visual examination of bend specimens and, therefore,
bility to Intergranular Attack in Austenitic Stainless Steels classifies the specimens only as acceptable or nonacceptable.
(Sections 15 to 21, inclusive), 1.5 In most cases either the 24-h copper–copper sul-
iTeh Standards
1.1.4 Practice E—Copper–Copper Sulfate–Sulfuric Acid
Test for Detecting Susceptibility to Intergranular Attack in
fate–16
acid
% sulfuric acid test or the 120-h ferric sulfate–sulfuric
test, combined with the oxalic acid etch test, will provide

([Link]
Austenitic Stainless Steels (Sections 22 to 31, inclusive), and
1.1.5 Practice F—Copper–Copper Sulfate–50 % Sulfuric
the required
grades listed
information in the shortest time. All stainless
in the accompanying table may be evaluated in
these combinations of screening and corrosion tests, except
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Acid Test for Detecting Susceptibility to Intergranular Attack
in Molybdenum-Bearing Cast Austenitic Stainless Steels (Sec- those specimens of molybdenum-bearing grades (for example
tions 32 to 38, inclusive). 316, 316L, 317, and 317L), which represent steel intended for
1.2 The following factors govern the application of these use in nitric acid environments.
practices: ASTM A262-01
1.6 The 240-h nitric acid test must be applied to stabilized
and molybdenum-bearing grades intended for service in nitric
1.2.1 [Link]
Susceptibility to intergranular attack associated with
the precipitation of chromium carbides is readily detected in all acid and to all stainless steel grades that might be subject to end
six tests. grain corrosion in nitric acid service.
1.2.2 Sigma phase in wrought chromium-nickel- 1.7 Only those stainless steel grades are listed in Table 1 for
molybdenum steels, which may or may not be visible in the which data on the application of the oxalic acid etch test and on
microstructure, can result in high corrosion rates only in nitric their performance in various quantitative evaluation tests are
acid. available.
1.2.3 Sigma phase in titanium or columbium stabilized 1.8 Extensive test results on various types of stainless steels
alloys and cast molybdenum-bearing stainless alloys, which evaluated by these practices have been published in Ref (1).2
may or may not be visible in the microstructure, can result in 1.9 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
high corrosion rates in both the nitric acid and ferric sulfate- standard. The inch-pound equivalents are in parentheses and
–sulfuric acid solutions. may be approximate.
1.3 The oxalic acid etch test is a rapid method of identify- 1.10 This standard does not purport to address all of the
ing, by simple etching, those specimens of certain stainless safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the
steel grades that are essentially free of susceptibility to responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
intergranular attack associated with chromium carbide precipi- priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. (Specific precau-
tionary statements are given in 5.6, 11.1.1, 11.1.9, and 35.1.)
1
These practices are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel,
Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
A01.14 on Methods of Corrosion Testing.
2
Current edition approved Sept. 10, 2001. Published October 2001. Originally The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references found at the
published as A 262 – 43 T. Last previous edition A 262 – 98. end of these practices.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

1
 A 262
2. Referenced Documents –Sulfuric Acid Test, Practice C—Nitric Acid Test, Practice
2.1 ASTM Standards: E—Copper–Copper Sulfate–16 % Sulfuric Acid Test, and
A 370 Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing Practice F—Copper–Copper Sulfate–50 % Sulfuric Acid Test.
of Steel Products3 3.2.1 Each practice contains a table showing which classi-
2.2 ISO Standard: fications of etch structures on a given stainless steel grade are
ISO 5651-2 Determination of Resistance to Intergranular equivalent to acceptable, or possibly nonacceptable perfor-
Corrosion of Stainless Steels—Part 2: Ferritic, Austenitic, mance in that particular test. Specimens having acceptable etch
and Ferritic-Austenitic (Duplex) Stainless Steels— structures need not be subjected to the hot acid test. Specimens
Corrosion Test in Media Containing Sulfuric Acid4 having nonacceptable etch structures must be tested in the
specified hot acid solution.
PRACTICE A—OXALIC ACID ETCH TEST FOR 3.3 The grades of stainless steels and the hot acid tests for
CLASSIFICATION OF ETCH STRUCTURES OF which the oxalic acid etch test is applicable are listed in Table
AUSTENITIC STAINLESS STEELS 2 2.
3.4 Extra-low–carbon grades, and stabilized grades, such as
3. Scope 304L, 316L, 317L, 321, and 347, are tested after sensitizing
3.1 The oxalic acid etch test is used for acceptance of heat treatments at 650 to 675°C (1200 to 1250°F), which is the
material but not for rejection of material. This may be used in range of maximum carbide precipitation. These sensitizing
connection with other evaluation tests to provide a rapid treatments must be applied before the specimens are submitted
method for identifying those specimens that are certain to be to the oxalic acid etch test. The most commonly used sensitiz-
free of susceptibility to rapid intergranular attack in these other ing treatment is 1 h at 675°C (1250°F).
tests. Such specimens have low corrosion rates in the various 4. Apparatus
hot acid tests, requiring from 4 to 240 h of exposure. These
4.1 Source of Direct Current—Battery, generator, or recti-
specimens are identified by means of their etch structures,
fier capable of supplying about 15 V and 20 A.
which are classified according to the following criteria:
4.2 Ammeter—Range 0 to 30 A (Note 1).
iTeh Standards
3.2 The oxalic acid etch test may be used to screen
specimens intended for testing in Practice B—Ferric Sulfate-
4.3 Variable Resistance (Note 1).
4.4 Cathode—A cylindrical piece of stainless steel or,

3
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 01.03.
([Link] preferably, a 1-qt (0.946-L) stainless steel beaker.
4.5 Large Electric Clamp—To hold specimen to be etched.

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4
4.6 Metallurgical Microscope—For examination of etched
Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), 1, rue de
Varembé, Case postale 56 CH-1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland. microstructures at 250 to 500 diameters.

TABLE 1 Application of Evaluation Tests for Detecting Susceptibility to Intergranular Attack in Austenitic Stainless Steels
ASTM A262-01
NOTE 1—For each corrosion test, the types of susceptibility to intergranular attack detected are given along with the grades of stainless steels in which
they may be[Link]
found. These lists may contain grades of steels in addition to those given in the rectangles. In such cases, the acid corrosion test is applicable,
but not the oxalic acid etch test.
NOTE 2—The oxalic acid etch test may be applied to the grades of stainless steels listed in the rectangles when used in connection with the test indicated
by the arrow.
OXALIC ACID ETCH TEST
↓
↓ ↓ ↓ ↓
AISIA: 304, 304L AISI: 304, 304L, 316, 316L, AISI: 201, 202, 301, 304, ACI: CF-3M, CF-8M,
317, 317L 304L, 304H, 316, 316L,
316H, 317, 317L, 321, 347
ACIB: CF-3, CF-8 ACI: CF-3, CF-8, CF-3M,
CF-8M

Nitric Acid TestC (240 h in Ferric Sulfate–Sulfuric Acid Test Copper–Copper Sulfate– Copper–Copper Sulfate–
boiling solution) (120 h in boiling solution) Sulfuric Acid Test (24 h 50 % Sulfuric Acid
in boiling solution) Testing Boiling Solution
Chromium carbide in: 304, Chromium carbide in: 304, Chromium carbide in: 201, Chromium carbide in: CF-3M,
304L, CF-3, CF-8 304L, 316, 316L, 317, 317L, 202, 301, 304, 304L, 316, CF-8M
Chromium carbide and sigma CF-3, CF-8 316L, 317, 317L, 321, 347
phase in:D 316, 316L, 317, Chromium carbide and sigma
317L, 321, 347, CF-3M, CF- phase in: 321, CF-3M, CF-8ME
8M
End-grain in: all grades

A
AISI: American Iron and Steel Institute designations for austenitic stainless steels.
B
ACI: Alloy Casting Institute designations.
C
The nitric acid test may be also applied to AISI 309, 310, 348, and AISI 410, 430, 446, and ACI CN-7M.
D
Must be tested in nitric acid test when destined for service in nitric acid.
E
To date, no data have been published on the effect of sigma phase on corrosion of AISI 347 in this test.

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 A 262
TABLE 2 Applicability of Etch Test

AISI Grade No. ACI Grade No.

Practice B—Ferric Sulfate–Sulfuric Acid Test 304, 304L, 316, 316L, 317, 317L CF-3, CF-8, CF-3M,CF-8M
Practice C—Nitric Acid Test 304, 304L CF-8, CF-3
Practice E—Copper–Copper Sulfate–16 % Sulfuric Acid 201, 202, 301, 304, 304L, 304H, 316, 316L, 316H, 317, 317L, 321, 347 ...
Test
Practice F—Copper–Copper Sulfate–50 % Sulfuric Acid ... CF-8M, CF-3M
Test

4.7 Electrodes of the Etching Cell—The specimen to be (H2C2O4·2H2O) to 900 mL of distilled water and stirring until
etched is made the anode, and a stainless steel beaker or a piece all crystals are dissolved.
of stainless steel as large as the specimen to be etched is made 5.5 Etching Conditions—The polished specimen should be
the cathode. etched at 1 A/cm2 for 1.5 min. To obtain the correct current
4.8 Electrolyte——Oxalic acid, (H2C2O4·2H2O), reagent density:
grade, 10 weight % solution. 5.5.1 The total immersed area of the specimen to be etched
NOTE 1—The variable resistance and the ammeter are placed in the
should be measured in square centimetres, and
circuit to measure and control the current on the specimen to be etched. 5.5.2 The variable resistance should be adjusted until the
ammeter reading in amperes is equal to the total immersed area
5. Preparation of Test Specimens of the specimen in square centimetres.
5.1 Cutting—Sawing is preferred to shearing, especially on 5.6 Etching Precautions:
the extra-low–carbon grades. Shearing cold works adjacent 5.6.1 Caution—Etching should be carried out under a
metal and affects the response to subsequent sensitization. ventilated hood. Gas, which is rapidly evolved at the electrodes
Microscopical examination of an etch made on a specimen with some entrainment of oxalic acid, is poisonous and
containing sheared edges, should be made on metal unaffected irritating to mucous membranes.

iTeh Standards
by shearing. A convenient specimen size is 25 by 25 mm (1 by 5.6.2 A yellow-green film is gradually formed on the
1 in.). cathode. This increases the resistance of the etching cell. When
5.2 The intent is to test a specimen representing as nearly as this occurs, the film should be removed by rinsing the inside of
([Link]
possible the surface of the material as it will be used in service.
Therefore the preferred sample is a cross section including the
the stainless steel beaker (or the steel used as the cathode) with
an acid such as 30 % HNO3.

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surface to be exposed in service. Only such surface finishing 5.6.3 The temperature of the etching solution gradually
should be performed as is required to remove foreign material increases during etching. The temperature should be kept
and obtain a standard, uniform finish as described in 5.3. For below 50°C by alternating two beakers. One may be cooled in
very heavy sections, specimens should be machined to repre- tap water while the other is used for etching. The rate of
sent the appropriate surface while maintaining reasonable ASTM A262-01
heating depends on the total current (ammeter reading) passing
specimen [Link]
size for convenient testing. Ordinarily, removal of through the cell. Therefore, the area etched should be kept as
more material than necessary will have little influence on the small as possible while at the same time meeting the require-
test results. However, in the special case of surface carburiza- ments of desirable minimum area to be etched.
tion (sometimes encountered, for instance, in tubing or castings 5.6.4 Immersion of the clamp holding the specimen in the
when lubricants or binders containing carbonaceous materials etching solution should be avoided.
are employed) it may be possible by heavy grinding or 5.7 Rinsing—Following etching, the specimen should be
machining to completely remove the carburized surface. Such thoroughly rinsed in hot water and in acetone or alcohol to
treatment of test specimens is not permissible, except in tests avoid crystallization of oxalic acid on the etched surface during
undertaken to demonstrate such effects. drying.
5.3 Polishing—On all types of materials, cross sectional 5.8 On some specimens containing molybdenum (AISI 316,
surfaces should be polished for etching and microscopical 316L, 317, 317L), which are free of chromium carbide
examination. Specimens containing welds should include base sensitization, it may be difficult to reveal the presence of step
plate, weld heat-affected zone, and weld metal. Scale should be structures by electrolytic etching with oxalic acid. In such
removed from the area to be etched by grinding to an 80- or cases, an electrolyte of a 10 % solution of ammonium persul-
120-grit finish on a grinding belt or wheel without excessive fate, (NH4)2S2O8, may be used in place of oxalic acid. An etch
heating and then polishing on successively finer emery papers, of 5 or 10 min at 1 A/cm2 in a solution at room temperature
No. 1, 1⁄2, 1⁄0, 2⁄0, and 3⁄0, or finer. This polishing operation can readily develops step structures on such specimens.
be carried out in a relatively short time since all large scratches
need not be removed. Whenever practical, a polished area of 6. Classification of Etch Structures
2
1 cm or more is desirable. If any cross-sectional dimension is 6.1 The etched surface is examined on a metallurgical
less than 1 cm, a minimum length of 1 cm should be polished. microscope at 2503 to 5003 for wrought steels and at about
When the available length is less than 1 cm, a full cross section 2503 for cast steels.
should be used. 6.2 The etched cross-sectional areas should be thoroughly
5.4 Etching Solution—The solution used for etching is examined by complete traverse from inside to outside diam-
prepared by adding 100 g of reagent grade oxalic acid crystals eters of rods and tubes, from face to face on plates, and across

3
 A 262
all zones such as weld metal, weld-affected zones, and base
plates on specimens containing welds.
6.3 The etch structures are classified into the following
types (Note 2):
6.3.1 Step Structure (Fig. 1)—Steps only between grains, no
ditches at grain boundaries.
6.3.2 Dual Structure (Fig. 2)—Some ditches at grain
boundaries in addition to steps, but no single grain completely
surrounded by ditches.
6.3.3 Ditch Structure (Fig. 3)—One or more grains com-
pletely surrounded by ditches.
6.3.4 Isolated Ferrite (Fig. 4)—Observed in castings and
welds. Steps between austenite matrix and ferrite pools.
6.3.5 Interdendritic Ditches (Fig. 5)—Observed in castings
and welds. Deep interconnected ditches.
6.3.6 End-Grain Pitting I (Fig. 6)—Structure contains a few
deep end-grain pits along with some shallow etch pits at 5003.
(Of importance only when nitric acid test is used.)
6.3.7 End-Grain Pitting II (Fig. 7)—Structure contains
numerous, deep end-grain pits at 5003. (Of importance only
when nitric acid test is used.)
FIG. 2 Dual Structure (2503) (Some ditches at grain boundaries
NOTE 2—All photomicrographs were made with specimens that were
in addition to steps, but no one grain completely surrounded)
etched under standard conditions: 10 % oxalic acid, room temperature, 1.5
min at 1 A/cm2.

iTeh Standards
6.4 The evaluation of etch structures containing steps only
and of those showing grains completely surrounded by ditches

([Link]
in every field can be carried out relatively rapidly. In cases that
appear to be dual structures, more extensive examination is
required to determine if there are any grains completely
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encircled. If an encircled grain is found, the steel should be
evaluated as a ditch structure. Areas near surfaces should be
examined for evidence of surface carburization.
6.4.1 On stainless steel castings (also on weld metal), the ASTM A262-01
steps between grains formed by electrolytic oxalic acid etching
[Link]

FIG. 3 Ditch Structure (5003) (One or more grains completely

surrounded by ditches)

tend to be less prominent than those on wrought materials or

are entirely absent. However, any susceptibility to intergranular
attack is readily detected by pronounced ditches.
6.5 Some wrought specimens, especially from bar stock,
may contain a random pattern of pits. If these pits are sharp and
so deep that they appear black (Fig. 7) it is possible that the
specimen may be susceptible to end grain attack in nitric acid
only. Therefore, even though the grain boundaries all have step
structures, specimens having as much or more end grain pitting
FIG. 1 Step Structure (5003) (Steps between grains, no ditches than that shown in Fig. 7 cannot be safely assumed to have low
at grain boundaries) nitric acid rates and should be subjected to the nitric acid test

4
 A 262

FIG. 4 Isolated Ferrite Pools (2503) (Observed in castings and To differentiate between the types of pits, use a magnification of 5003 and focus
welds. Steps between austenite matrix and ferrite pools) in the plane of etched surface. The pits which now appear completely black are
end grain pits.
FIG. 6 End Grain Pitting I (5003) (A few deep end grain pits (see
iTeh Standards 1 in figure) and shallow etch pits (2))

([Link]
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ASTM A262-01
[Link]

FIG. 5 Interdendritic Ditches (2503) (Observed in castings and

welds. Deep interconnected ditches)

whenever it is specified. Such sharp, deep pits should not be This or a greater concentration of end grain pits at 5003 (using standard etching
conditions) indicates that the specimen must be tested when screening is for nitric
confused with the shallow pits shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 6. acid test.
7. Use of Etch Structure Classifications FIG. 7 End Grain Pitting II (5003)

7.1 The use of these classifications depends on the hot acid

corrosion test for which stainless steel specimens are being intergranular attack associated primarily with chromium car-
screened by etching in oxalic acid and is described in each of bide precipitate. It does not detect susceptibility associated
the practices. Important characteristics of each of these tests with sigma phase in wrought chromium-nickel-molybdenum
are described below. stainless steels (316, 316L, 317, 317L), which is known to lead
7.2 Practice B—Ferric Sulfate–Sulfuric Acid Test is a to rapid intergranular attack only in certain nitric acid environ-
120-h test in boiling 50 % solution that detects susceptibility to ments. It does not detect susceptibility to end grain attack,

5
 A 262
which is also found only in certain nitric acid environments. nitric acid test, Practice C, should be used.
The ferric sulfate-sulfuric acid test does reveal susceptibility 8.2 In stabilized stainless steel, Type 321 (and perhaps 347)
associated with a sigma-like phase constituent in stabilized and cast austenitic stainless steels containing molybdenum
stainless steels, AISI 321 and 347, and in cast chromium- such as Types CF-8M, CF-3M, CG-8M, and CG-3M, the ferric
nickel-molybdenum stainless steels (CF-8M, CF-3M, C6-8M, sulfate–sulfuric acid test detects susceptibility associated with
and CG-3M). precipitated chromium carbides and with a sigma phase that
7.3 Practice C—Nitric Acid Test is a 240-h test in boiling, may be invisible in the microstructure.
65 % nitric acid that detects susceptibility to rapid intergranu- 8.3 The ferric sulfate–sulfuric acid test may be used to
lar attack associated with chromium carbide precipitate and evaluate the heat treatment accorded as-received material. It
with sigma-like phase precipitate. The latter may be formed in may also be used to check the effectiveness of stabilizing
molybdenum-bearing and in stabilized grades of austenitic columbium or titanium additions and of reductions in carbon
stainless steels and may or may not be visible in the micro- content in preventing susceptibility to rapid intergranular
structure. This test also reveals susceptibility to end grain attack. It may be applied to wrought products (including tubes),
attack in all grades of stainless steels. castings, and weld metal.
7.4 Practice E—Copper–Copper Sulfate–16 % Sulfuric 8.4 Specimens of extra low carbon and stabilized grades are
Acid Test is a 24-h test in a boiling solution containing 16 % tested after sensitizing heat treatments at 650 to 675°C (1200 to
sulfuric acid and 6 % copper sulfate with the test specimen 1250°F), which is the range of maximum carbide precipitation.
embedded in metallic copper shot or grindings, which detects The length of time of heating used for this sensitizing treatment
susceptibility to intergranular attack associated with the pre- determines the maximum permissible corrosion rate for such
cipitation of chromium-rich carbides. It does not detect sus- grades in the ferric sulfate–sulfuric acid test. The most com-
ceptibility to intergranular attack associated with sigma phase monly used sensitizing treatment is 1 h at 675°C (1250°F).
or end-grain corrosion, both of which have been observed to
date only in certain nitric acid environments. 9. Rapid Screening Test
7.5 Practice F—Copper–Copper Sulfate–50 % Sulfuric 9.1 Before testing in the ferric sulfate sulfuric acid test,

iTeh Standards
Acid Test is a 120-h test in a boiling solution that contains specimens of certain grades of stainless steels (see Table 3)
50 % sulfuric acid, copper sulfate, and metallic copper and that may be given a rapid screening test in accordance with
detects susceptibility to intergranular attack associated with theprocedures given in Practice A, Oxalic Acid Etch Test for
([Link]
precipitation of chromium-rich carbides. It does not detect
susceptibility to attack associated with sigma phase.
Classification of Etch Structures of Austenitic Stainless Steels.
Preparation, etching, and the classification of etch structures
PRACTICE B—FERRIC SULFATE–SULFURIC
ACID TEST FOR DETECTING SUSCEPTIBILITY
Document Preview are described therein. The use of etch structure evaluations in
connection with the ferric sulfate–sulfuric acid test is specified
in Table 3.
TO INTERGRANULAR ATTACK IN AUSTENITIC
9.1.1 Corrosion test specimens having acceptable etch
STAINLESS STEELS (3) ASTMstructures
A262-01 in the oxalic acid etch test will be essentially free of
8. Scope [Link]
intergranular attack in the ferric sulfate-sulfuric acid test. Such
8.1 This practice describes the procedure for conducting the specimens are acceptable without testing in the ferric sulfate-
boiling 120-h ferric sulfate–50 % sulfuric acid test (Note 3) sulfuric acid test. All specimens having nonacceptable etch
which measures the susceptibility of stainless steels to inter- structures must be tested in the ferric sulfate-sulfuric acid test.
granular attack. The presence or absence of intergranular attack 10. Apparatus
in this test is not necessarily a measure of the performance of 10.1 The apparatus (Note 6) is illustrated in Fig. 8.
the material in other corrosive environments. The test does not
provide a basis for predicting resistance to forms of corrosion TABLE 3 Use of Etch Structure Classifications from the Oxalic
Acid Etch Test with Ferric Sulfate–Sulfuric Acid Test
other than intergranular, such as general corrosion, pitting, or
stress-corrosion cracking. NOTE 1—Grades AISI 321 and 347 cannot be screened because these
grades may contain a type of sigma phase which is not visible in the etch
NOTE 3—See Practice A for information on the most appropriate of the structure but which may cause rapid corrosion in the ferric sulfate-sulfuric
several test methods available for the evaluation of specific grades of acid test.
stainless steel.
Grade Acceptable Etch Nonacceptable
8.1.1 The ferric sulfate–sulfuric acid test detects suscepti- Structures Etch Structures A
bility to intergranular attack associated with the precipitation of AISI 304 Step, dual, end grain, I & II Ditch
chromium carbides in unstabilized austenitic stainless steels. It AISI 304L Step, dual, end grain, I & II Ditch
AISI316 Step, dual, end grain, I & II Ditch
does not detect susceptibility to intergranular attack associated AISI316L Step, dual, end grain, I & II Ditch
with sigma phase in wrought austenitic stainless steels contain- AISI 317 Step, dual, end grain, I & II Ditch
ing molybdenum, such as Types 316, 316L, 317, and 317L. AISI 317L Step, dual, end grain, I & II Ditch
AISI 321 None ...
The ferric sulfate–sulfuric acid test will detect intergranular ACI CF-3 Step, dual, isolated ferrite pools Ditch, interdendritic ditches
corrosion associated with sigma phase in the cast stainless ACI CF-8 Step, dual, isolated ferrite pools Ditch, interdendritic ditches
steels CF-3M and CF-8M. ACI CF-3M Step, dual, isolated ferrite pools Ditch, interdendritic ditches
ACI CF-8M Step, dual, isolated ferrite pools Ditch, interdendritic ditches
NOTE 4—To detect susceptibility to intergranular attack associated with A
Specimens having these structures must be tested in the ferric sulfate-sulfuric
sigma phase in austenitic stainless steels containing molybdenum, the acid test.