Hydrogen embrittlement properties of heat affected zone of high strength steel in shielded metal arc welding

Corrosion resistance, mechanical properties and hydrogen embrittlement were investigated from an electrochemical view, with the slow strain rate test (SSRT) method with applied constant cathodic potential. Fracture surface was analyzed by SEM. Corrosion resistance and mechanical properties were increased by post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) compared to those in the as-welded condition. Elongation and time-to-fracture were decreased with shifting cathodic polarization potential to the low potential direction. On analysis of SEM fractography, the quasi-cleavage (Q.C) fracture mode was also observed with an increase of susceptibility to hydrogen embrittlement. At the applied cathodic potential between −770 mV and −875 mV (SCE; saturated calomel electrode), the fracture morphology was of the dimple pattern with ductile fracture, while it changed to the transgranular pattern at under −900 mV (SCE). Eventually it is suggested that an optimum cathodic protection potential range was from −770 mV to −875 mV (SCE) without regard to PWHT condition.