Which of the following processes can lead to stress corrosion cracking?

The identification of the presence of sulfides as a cause of stress corrosion cracking is grounded in their detrimental effects on certain metals, particularly in corrosive environments. Sulfide ions can significantly enhance the susceptibility of some alloys, such as those containing nickel and steel, to stress corrosion cracking. When sulfide is present, it can interact with the metal surface and create corrosive conditions that lead to cracking, especially under tensile stress. This phenomenon is particularly recognized in specific environments, such as in oil and gas sectors, where sulfide stress cracking is a known risk.

The other processes mentioned, while potentially influential in metal degradation and other forms of corrosion, do not directly correlate to the initiation of stress corrosion cracking as explicitly as sulfides do. Inadequate metallurgical treatment may contribute to overall material weakness or poor performance, high humidity can accelerate generalized corrosion but isn't a direct cause of stress corrosion cracking. Excessive load application is a factor that contributes to cracking but is primarily significant in conjunction with other corrosive agents, which sulfide presence exemplifies. Thus, the emphasis on sulfides captures both the chemical interaction and the environmental factors necessary for stress corrosion cracking to occur.