1.   Increases the homogeneity and reliability of bonding
2-1.Prevents carbon migration from the backing steel, which prevents,
     -High hardness at the boundary because of Martensite formation
     -Cracks at the boundary
2-2.Reduces the risk of cracking under hydrogen service and maintains the soundness of the clad layer
3.   Reduces the penetration rate of pitting and/or SCC, if initiated at the cladding surface thus givingan additional safety margin.

Pitting Corrosion Stop at the Nickel Layer

with Nickel Plating
 

SCC Stop at the Nickel Layer U-bend test in 42% Mgcl2 sol.