Stress corrosion cracking and hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility of an eutectoid steel employed in prestressed concrete

The stress corrosion and hydrogen embrittlement behavior of AISI 1080 steel employed in concrete prestressing tendons was studied with different experimental techniques. A simulated concrete pore solution, with and without contaminants such as chloride, sulfate and thiocyanate ions was used. For comparison purposes the standard 20% ammonium thiocyanate solution was also employed. Polarization curves, slow strain rate tests and fracture mechanics tests were used to evaluate the influence of parameters such as potential, temperature (between 0 and 100 °C), and tempering temperature of the steel. The results have shown that the fracture mechanism of the stress corrosion cracking process is associated with hydrogen action.     

The effect of grain size and aging on hydrogen embrittlement of a maraging steel

Notched tensile tests were conducted under a slow displacement rate to evaluate the influences of grain size and aging on hydrogen embrittlement (HE) of T-200 maraging steel. In addition, an electrochemical permeation method was employed to measure the effective diffusivity (D_eff) and apparent solubility (C_app) for hydrogen of various heat-treated specimens. The results indicated that the aged (482 °C/4 h) specimens comprised of numerous precipitates led to a raised C_app and a decreased hydrogen diffusivity as compared to those of the solution-treated ones. The solution-treated specimens were resistant to gaseous HE, whereas aged specimens were susceptible to it, implying the strength level was the controlling factor to affect the HE susceptibility of the specimens. Nevertheless, all specimens suffered from sulfide stress corrosion cracking (SSCC) severely but to different degrees. The aged specimens were more likely to form intergranular (IG) fractures in H₂S but quasi-cleavage (QC) in H₂. For the solution-treated specimens, a fine-grained structure was susceptible to HE in H₂S and revealed mainly QC that differed from the IG fracture of the coarse-grained one. The fracture mode of the specimens could also be related to the transport path and / or the supply of hydrogen to the plastic zone of notched specimens in hydrogen-containing environments.     

Effect of hydrogen concentration on the embrittlement of a duplex stainless steel

Hydrogen embrittlement of 23Cr-5Ni-3Mo duplex stainless steel, charged with hydrogen cathodically evolved from various aqueous solutions, was investigated. The constant slow strain rate tests were employed to provide comparative data for the cracking susceptibility, whereas the electrochemical desorption technique was used to determine the amount of absorbed hydrogen. The obtained results showed that the reduction in ductility of the steel is closely connected with the concentration of hydrogen introduced.     

Hydrogen permeable Ta–Ti–Ni duplex phase alloys with high resistance to hydrogen embrittlement

Crystal structures, microstructures and hydrogen permeability Φ of as-cast Ta–TiNi alloys on the line connecting the compositions of the primary (Ta, Ti) and the ternary eutectic phases have been investigated to find out highly hydrogen permeable duplex phases alloys with high resistance to the hydrogen embrittlement. The alloys on this line show microstructures of (1) the eutectic {(Ta, Ti) + TiNi} phase, (2) the primary (Ta, Ti) phase + the eutectic {(Ta, Ti) + TiNi} phase, and (3) the (Ta, Ti) solid solution, although a little amount of unidentified (impurity) phases are included in these samples. The value of Φ increases with increasing Ta content and the volume fraction of the primary (Ta, Ti) phase, which indicates that the primary phase contributes mainly to the hydrogen permeation. The Ta₅₆Ti₂₃Ni₂₁ alloy, containing the 61 vol.% primary phase, shows the highest Φ of 2.18 × 10⁻⁸ mol H₂ m⁻¹ s⁻¹ Pa^−0.5 at 673 K, which is 1.3 times higher than that of the previous most high Φ alloy (Ta₅₃Ti₂₈Ni₁₉). The more Ta-rich alloys on this line, i.e., containing a small amount of the eutectic phase, are broken down by the hydrogen embrittlement, suggesting that the eutectic phase suppresses the hydrogen embrittlement.     

Hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility and permeability of two ultra-high strength steels

Slow displacement rate tensile tests were carried out in a saturated H₂S solution to investigate the effect of hydrogen embrittlement on notched tensile strength (NTS) and fracture characteristics of two ultra-high strength steels (PH 13-8 Mo stainless steel and T-200 maraging steel). Hydrogen permeation properties were determined by an electrochemical permeation method. The results of permeation tests indicated that over-aged specimens showed a lower diffusivity/hydrogen flux and higher solubility than those solution-annealed. The great increase in reverted austenite (irreversible hydrogen traps) together with numerous precipitates at the expense of dislocations (reversible) in the over-aged specimen led to such a change in permeability. Ordinary tensile tests indicated that four tested specimens had roughly the same yield strength level. Hence, the hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility of the material could be related to their permeation properties. The uniform distribution of strong hydrogen traps in over-aged specimens instead of weak traps in the solution-annealed impeded the hydrogen transport toward the strained region, thus, the resistance to sulfide stress corrosion cracking was improved in over-aged specimens.     

Behaviour of Aluminium in Alkaline and Neutral Tartrate and Citrate Solutions

Abstract

The anodic polarisation of aluminium (2S) in a solution containing 1 M-sodium hydroxide, 0·3/ sodium chloride and 1–10% sodium tartrate and saturated with calcium hydroxide has been studied. The anode utilisation efficiency has been determined at various current densities starting from 2 mA cm^?2. It has been found that the corrosion of aluminium in a solution containing 10% tartrate, alkali and chloride is reduced by addition of calcium hydroxide. It has, however, been observed that under similar conditions, tartrate causes a greater degree of polarisation than citrate, indicating that tartrate may not be as effectiveas citrate in complexingaluminium and may even favour anodic oxidation.     

Role of microstructure, composition and hardness in resisting hydrogen embrittlement of fastener grade steels

The degree of hydrogen embrittlement for several fastener grade steels has been determined. While microstructural alteration resulted in some improvement in resistance to hydrogen embrittlement, the overriding factor contributing to susceptibility of the steel was strength. The degree of susceptibility of the microstructures to hydrogen embrittlement, ranked in increasing order, is as follows: fine pearlite, bainite, tempered martensite. The effects of alloying were also assessed by comparing results from different fastener grade steels with similar microstructures. In most cases, the alloy chemistry had little effect, presumably due to trap saturation associated with this testing technique.     

Stress corrosion cracking and hydrogen embrittlement of sensitized austenitic stainless steels in boiling saturated magnesium chloride solutions

Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) and hydrogen embrittlement (HE) of the sensitized stainless steels of type 304, 310 and 316 were investigated as a function of test temperature in boiling saturated magnesium chloride (MgCl₂) solutions under a constant applied stress condition. The test temperature dependence of fracture appearance and three parameters of time to failure (t_f), steady-state elongation rate (l_ss) and transition time to time to failure ratio (t_ss/t_f) suggests that type 304 suffered SCC and HE, while type 316 suffered only HE and type 310 SCC. It was also found that the test temperature dependence of three parameters for the sensitized type 304 and 310 was almost similar to that of the solution annealed stainless steels, whereas that of type 316 showed a clear difference between sensitized and solution annealed specimens. The relationships between the logarithms of the time to failure and the steady-state elongation rate became a straight line for all stainless steels. However, its slope depended upon the fracture mode; −2.0 for SCC and −1.5 for HE. This showed that the steady-state elongation rate was the parameter for predicting the time to failure for the stainless steels in the MgCl₂ solutions. The results obtained were explained in terms of martensite transformation, hydrogen entry site, sensitization, and so on.     

Optimization of corrosion protection potential for stress corrosion cracking and hydrogen embrittlement of 5083-H112 alloy in seawater

We report on the optimum corrosion protection potential range for stress corrosion cracking and hydrogen embrittlement of 5083-H112 Al alloy specimens using electrochemical methods and slow strain rate testing (SSRT) in seawater. In the results of the cathodic polarization curve, the concentration polarization due to dissolved oxygen reduction reaction correspondeds to a protection potential of OCP≈ −1.55 V. However, a potential of −1.2 V in the SSRT showed little effect of atomic hydrogen evolution. Potentials less than −1.6 V are affected by atomic and molecular hydrogen. We thus concluded that the effect of atomic hydrogen predominates. Overall, the optimum corrosion protection range for SCC and hydrogen embrittlement of 5083-H112 seems to be between −0.9 V and −0.7 V.     

On the stress corrosion cracking and hydrogen embrittlement of sensitized austenitic stainless steels in boiling saturated magnesium chloride solutions: Effect of applied stress

Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) and hydrogen embrittlement (HE) of sensitized stainless steels of types 304, 310 and 316 were investigated as a function of applied stress at different test temperatures in boiling saturated magnesium chloride (MgCl₂) solutions under a constant applied stress condition. The stress dependence of fracture appearance and three parameters of time to failure (t_f), steady-state elongation rate (l_ss) and transition time to time to failure ratio suggests that types 304 and 310 suffered SCC, while type 316 suffered only HE. It was also found that the applied stress dependence of three parameters for the sensitized types 304 and 310 was almost similar to that of the solution-annealed stainless steels, whereas that of type 316 showed a clear difference between sensitized and solution-annealed specimens. The relationships between the logarithms of the time to failure and the steady-state elongation rate became a straight line for all stainless steels. However, its slope depended upon the fracture mode: −2.0 for SCC and −1.5 for HE. This showed that the steady-state elongation rate was a good parameter for predicting the time to failure for the stainless steels in the MgCl₂ solutions. The results obtained were explained in terms of martensite transformation, hydrogen entry site, and sensitization.     

Influence of dynamic straining on hydrogen embrittlement of UNS-G41300 and UNS-S31803 steels in a low H2S concentration environment

The hydrogen embrittlement of UNS-G41300 and UNS-S31803 steels in sodium thiosulphate solutions was studied. Slow strain rate and electrochemical tests were used. The influence of elastic and plastic strain on the hydrogen embrittlement process of these materials was investigated.The results showed that thiosulphate solutions efficiently simulate an aggressive environment containing low concentrations of hydrogen sulfide, being effective in promoting the embrittlement of the UNS-G41300 steel. For this tempered martensitic steel, under the test conditions, the role of a dynamic process of plastic straining on its hydrogen embrittlement was demonstrated.For the UNS-S31803 steel, a duplex (austenitic-ferritic) stainless steel, the study of the hydrogen embrittlement with the solutions used required cathodic polarization and showed that the embrittlement preferably occurs in the ferritic phase.     

Embrittlement of T-200 maraging steel in a hydrogen sulfide solution

Slow displacement rate tensile tests were carried out to investigate the effect of hydrogen embrittlement (HE) on notched tensile strength (NTS) and fracture characteristics of aged T-200 maraging steel. Hydrogen diffusivity, permeation flux and apparent hydrogen solubility were determined by an electrochemical permeation method, and correlated with the HE susceptibility and microstructures of the specimens. The results indicated that all aged specimens were susceptible to HE in the saturated H₂S solution, to different degrees. The susceptibility in the decreasing order of severity was observed to be under-aged, peak-aged, and over-aged conditions. The main trend was that the specimen with the highest diffusivity and permeation flux of hydrogen had the greatest NTS loss. Reverted austenite, if present in the microstructure, acted as irreversible traps for hydrogen and hence, improved the HE resistance. At similar strength and hydrogen solubility level, the more reverted austenite the less susceptibility to HE of specimens was resulted. The detailed microstructures of distinct specimens and their performances in hydrogen-containing environments are discussed.     

Formulating stress corrosion cracking growth rates by combination of crack tip mechanics and crack tip oxidation kinetics

A theoretical equation for stress corrosion crack growth rate of austenitic alloys in high temperature water is reformulated based on crack tip asymptotic fields and crack tip transient oxidation kinetics. A general oxidation kinetic law is introduced, emphasizing the role of mass transport through solid oxide film at the crack tip. The effects of several parameters on crack growth rate are evaluated. The results are compared with available experimental data and other equations. A good prediction of the effect of K on stress corrosion cracking growth rate of typical austenitic alloys in simulated light water reactor environments has been achieved.     

The effects of sacrificial coatings on hydrogen embrittlement and re-embrittlement of ultra high strength steels

This paper describes an investigation of electrodeposited Zn-14% Ni and aluminium-based SermeTel 1140/962 coatings as possible replacements for cadmium. Slow strain rate tests were performed to measure the extent of direct hydrogen embrittlement of a high strength steel substrate as a result of the coating process and of hydrogen re-embrittlement caused by coating corrosion. The level of re-embrittlement was shown to depend on both the electrochemical potential of the coating and its barrier properties. Zn-14% Ni coatings caused the most re-embrittlement as they had the most active potential and contained through-thickness defects which left the steel exposed to hydrogen uptake. The microstructure of the high strength steel was also shown to be an important factor affecting the extent of embrittlement. AerMet 100 steel was more resistant than 300M steel and this was attributed to the presence of reverted austenite surrounding the martensite laths in AerMet 100, which trapped absorbed hydrogen and prevented a critical hydrogen concentration being reached in the more susceptible martensite phase.     

Influence of the applied stress rate on the stress corrosion cracking of 4340 and 3.5NiCrMoV steels under conditions of cathodic hydrogen charging

Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of as-quenched 4340 and 3.5NiCrMoV steels was studied under hydrogen charging conditions, with a cathodic current applied to the gauge length of specimens subjected to Linearly Increasing Stress Test (LIST) in 0.5 M H₂SO₄ solution containing 2 g/l arsenic trioxide (As₂O₃) at 30 °C. Applied stress rates were varied from 20.8 to 6 × 10⁻⁴ MPa s⁻¹. Both the fracture and threshold stress decreased with decreasing applied stress rate and were substantially lower than corresponding values measured in distilled water at 30 °C at the open circuit potential. The threshold stress values correspond to 0.03–0.08 σ_y for 4340 and 0.03–0.2 σ_y for the 3.5NiCrMoV steel. SCC velocities, at the same applied stress rate, were an order of magnitude greater than those in distilled water. However, the plots of the crack velocity versus applied stress rate had similar slopes, suggesting the same rate-limiting step. The fracture surface morphology was mostly intergranular, with quasi-cleavage features.     

A hydrogen embrittlement mechanism for sensitized types 304, 316 and 310 austenitic stainless steels in boiling saturated magnesium chloride solutions

We have already proposed a mechanism for intergranular hydrogen embrittlement (IG-HE) for solution annealed austenitic stainless steels (types 304, 316 and 310) in HCl solutions and in boiling saturated magnesium chloride solutions. The proposed IG-HE mechanism was based on martensite transformation, hydrogen-enhanced local plasticity (HELP), grain boundary sliding (GBS). Recently, it was reported that the fracture susceptibility and fracture mode for sensitized steels in boiling saturated magnesium chloride solution under an open-circuit condition were significantly different from those observed for solution annealed steels. In the present paper, the hydrogen embrittlement behavior of sensitized types 304, 316 and 310 in boiling saturated magnesium chloride solutions was explained in more details in terms of an inhibiting effect of chloride ions, martensite transformation, Cr depletion, HELP, the degree of corrosiveness through the comparison with those for the solution annealed steels. Furthermore, a transgranular HE (TG-HE) cracking mode that was not observed for the solution annealed steels was discussed as well as IG-HE. Then a TG-HE mechanism for sensitized austenitic stainless steels was proposed, while the IG-HE mechanism for solution annealed austenitic stainless steels which was discussed in details was applied to IG-HE of sensitized austenitic stainless steels. It was also pointed out that the occurrence of both TG-HE and IG-HE was explained with an identical concept.     

Elucidating the variables affecting accelerated fatigue crack growth of steels in hydrogen gas with low oxygen concentrations

The objective of this study was to quantify the effects of mechanical and environmental variables on oxygen-modified accelerated fatigue crack growth of steels in hydrogen gas. Experimental results show that in hydrogen gas containing up to 1000 v.p.p.m. oxygen fatigue crack growth rates for X52 line pipe steel are initially coincident with those measured in air or inert gas, but these rates abruptly accelerate above a critical ΔK level that depends on the oxygen concentration. In addition to the bulk gas oxygen concentration, the onset of hydrogen-accelerated crack growth is affected by the load cycle frequency and load ratio R. Hydrogen-accelerated fatigue crack growth is actuated when threshold levels of both the inert environment crack growth rate and K_max are exceeded. The inert environment crack growth rate dictates the creation of new crack tip surface area, which in turn determines the extent of crack tip oxygen coverage and associated hydrogen uptake, while K_max governs the activation of hydrogen-assisted fracture modes through its relationship to the crack tip stress field. The relationship between the inert environment crack growth rate and crack tip hydrogen uptake is established through the development of an analytical model, which is formulated based on the assumption that oxygen coverage can be quantified from the balance between the rates of new crack tip surface creation and diffusion-limited oxygen transport through the crack channel to this surface. Provided K_max exceeds the threshold value for stress-driven hydrogen embrittlement activation, this model shows that stimulation of hydrogen-accelerated crack growth depends on the interplay between the inert environment crack growth increment per cycle, load cycle frequency, R ratio and bulk gas oxygen concentration.     

Study on mechanical properties and hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility of 7075 aluminium alloy

Abstract

The mechanical properties and hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility of 7075 aluminium alloy were studied by means of cathodic H permeation, hydrogen determinator, slow strain rate test (SSRT), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results showed that both before and after hydrogen charging, the strength and other properties all have double peaks for the examined alloys, and it was of excellent performance such as high strength and low hydrogen enbrittlement susceptibility under the second aging peak. Mg segregated at grain boundary during aging process, and there may exist Mg–H interaction during the hydrogen charging process, which played a significant role in hydrogen embrittlement.     

A comparison of hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility of two austenitic stainless steel welds

Slow displacement rate tensile tests were carried out to assess the effect of hydrogen embrittlement on notched tensile strength (NTS) and fracture characteristics of AISI 316L and 254 SMO stainless steel (SS) plates and welds. 254 SMO generally exhibited a better resistance to hydrogen embrittlement than 316L. The strain-induced transformation of austenite to martensite in the 316L SS was responsible for the high hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility of the alloy and weld. Sensitized 254 SMO (i.e., heat-treated at 1000 °C/40 min) base plate and weld comprised of dense precipitates along grain boundaries. Interfacial separation along solidified boundaries was observed with the tensile fracture of 254 SMO weld, especially the sensitized one. Dense grain boundary precipitates not only reduced the ductility but also raised the susceptibility to sulfide stress corrosion cracking of the sensitized 254 SMO plate and weld.