Effects of cerium addition to austenitic stainless resultant sensitization properties and IGSCC susceptibility in steels on microstructural changes and pressurized high-temperature water have been investigated. Cc-modifications significantly influenced precipitation behavior of carbides and resultant IGC and IGSCC resistance were either improved or degraded depending on Ce content and sensitization conditions. The material with 0.01% Ce almost always showed the lowest reactivation
ratio for given heat treatments. Addition of 0.01% Ce to the steel successfully mitigated IGSCC in pressurized high-temperature water in slightly sensitized conditions, at 700°C for 10h or 14h. Higher level of Ce addition was less beneficial. Keywords: rare earth element, cerium, stress corrosion cracking, sensitization, austenitic stainless steel, slow strain rate test, pressurized high-temperature water, carbide distribution