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This comprehensive review examines the phenomena of stress corrosion cracking (SCC) and chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking (Cl-SCC) in materials commonly used in the oil and gas industry, with a focus on austenitic stainless steels. The study reveals that SCC initiation can occur at temperatures as low as 20 °C, while Cl-SCC propagation rates significantly increase above 60 °C, reaching up to 0.1 mm/day in environments with high chloride concentrations. Experimental methods such as Slow Strain Rate Tests (SSRTs), Small Punch Tests (SPTs), and Constant-Load Tests (CLTs) were employed to quantify the impacts of temperature, chloride concentration, and pH on SCC susceptibility. The results highlight the critical role of these factors in determining the susceptibility of materials to SCC. The review emphasizes the importance of implementing various mitigation strategies to prevent SCC, including the use of corrosion-resistant alloys, protective coatings, cathodic protection, and corrosion inhibitors. Additionally, regular monitoring using advanced sensor technologies capable of detecting early signs of SCC is crucial for preventing the onset of SCC. The study concludes with practical recommendations for enhancing infrastructure resilience through meticulous material selection, comprehensive environmental monitoring, and proactive maintenance strategies, aimed at safeguarding operational integrity and ensuring environmental compliance. The review underscores the significance of considering the interplay between mechanical stresses and corrosive environments in the selection and application of materials in the oil and gas industry. Low pH levels and high temperatures facilitate the rapid progression of SCC, with experimental results indicating that stainless steel forms passive films with more defects under these conditions, reducing corrosion resistance. This interplay highlights the need for a comprehensive understanding of the complex interactions between materials, environments, and mechanical stresses to ensure the long-term integrity of critical infrastructure.

One kaolin and two kaolinitic claystones were characterised (XRD, XRF, FTIR, TG, SEM, MIP), dehydrated at 750 °C, finely ground and mixed with an alkali activator in weight ratios of 55:80, 55:75, 60:70, 65:65, 70:60 and 75:55. Geopolymer binders were then prepared by water addition up to an invariable content of 34 wt%. The binders were finally mixed with quartz sand in a weight ratio of 40:60. The differences in the properties between the two types of clay materials, the changes in these properties due to dehydration and milling, and the impact of the observed differences on the properties of the geopolymer binders (dynamic viscosity, pore size distribution, colour shade) and filled geopolymers (flexural strength, compressive strength, elastic modulus) were investigated. The kaolinitic claystones had a morphology different from the kaolin, characterised by smaller kaolinite plates, significantly lower pore volumes with average pore diameters and a higher impurities content that caused a more intense colour compared to the kaolin. The above-mentioned differences remained unchanged after thermal and mechanical treatment of the starting clay materials. The geopolymer binders prepared from the calcined and milled kaolinitic claystones were darker in colour and had a significantly lower dynamic viscosity (approximately three times) compared to the geopolymer binders prepared from the kaolin. The dynamic viscosity decreased with the decreasing activator content, while the volume and pore size increased. The mechanical properties of all the prepared geopolymers were excellent (compressive strength >50 MPa, bending strength >7.9 MPa and elastic modulus >15 GPa) up to a ratio of meta-kaolinite component/alkali activator of 1:1.