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Received: October 22, 2019; Revised: October 31, 2019; Accepted: October 31, 2019
Abstract: Surface modification techniques are known to improve SCC by adding large compressive residual stresses to metal surfaces. This surface modification technology is attracting attention because it is an economical and practical technology compared to the maintenance method of existing nuclear power plants. Surface modification techniques include laser, water jet and ultrasonic peening, pinning and ultrasonic Nano-crystal surface modification (UNSM). The focus of this study was on the effect of ultrasonic amplitude in UNSM treatment on the corrosion properties of Alloy 600. A microstructure analysis was conducted using an optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and electron backscattering diffraction (EBSD). A cyclic polarization test and AC-impedance measurement were both used to analyze the corrosion properties. UNSM treatment influences the corrosion resistance of Alloy 600 depending on its amplitude. Below the critical amplitude value, the pitting corrosion properties are improved by grain refinement and compressive residual stress, but above the critical amplitude value, crevices are formed by the formation of overlapped waves. These crevices act as corrosion initiators, reducing pitting corrosion resistance.