IC (Intercrystalline Corrosion) is a form of corrosion that can occur in most alloys at the appropriate conditions. It is also known as "grain disintegration" or „chromium depletion" The corrosion takes place along the grain boundaries. In steels alloyed with chromium, the chromium contained in the material combines on heating (often while welding) with the carbon to form chromium carbide.  Thus the chromium is no longer available for corrosion protection (formation of a passive layer) in the heated area. This occurs particularly in high-carbon steels. With corrosion-resistant steels, such as 1.4571 (AISI 316Ti), the binding of carbon with titanium or niobium to niobium or titanium carbide (stabilised steels) or lowering the carbon content, e.g. 1.4404 (AISI 316L) acts against IC. These measures prevent the harmful reduction of chromium content along the grain boundaries.