The Role of Solvated Electrons in Stress Corrosion Cracking Phenomena. Part I. Conceptual Considerations.

摘要

A model is presented in this report that postulates an important role for solvated electrons in stress corrosion cracking phenomena. The cogent feature of this model is the claim that the strain energy released at the crack tip is sufficient to cause the ejection of electrons from the metal. Such electron transfer across the metal/solution interface results in the generation of solvated electrons in the crack tip region. The immediate consequences of this stress induced electron transfer are uninhibited metal dissolution at the crack tip and possible hydrogen atom formation and incorporation into the metal lattice. The validity of this model is yet to be tested. Nevertheless from a conceptual standpoint it offers an intriguing microscopic outlook on what may be occurring during stress corrosion cracking. Several experiments are proposed to test the hypothesis. (Author)