Nickel-ion irradiation at 500{degrees}C is shown to have a strong effect on the surface electrochemistry and intergranular corrosion of stainless steel. Measured current densities in a 1N H{sub 2}SO{sub 4} solution at room temperature are increased at active-passive, passive, and transpassive potentials. Irradiation effects on the current decay behavior and susceptibility to intergranular corrosion were similar for a microcrystalline, fine-grained stainless alloy and for a very large-grained stainless steel. Radiation-induced segregation at the surface is believed to promote higher currents, whereas segregation at grain boundaries prompts intergranular attack. Analytical electron microscopy measurements reveal silicon enrichment and chromium depletion at internal interfaces in irradiated specimens. Silicon enhances dissolution at transpassive potentials, whereas chromium depletion does the same at active-passive and passive potentials
