Hydrogen surface effects in ferritic stainless steels

The surface microstructure of ferritic chromium stainless steels subjected to hydrogen charging was investigated. Mono- and polycrystalline samples after severe cathodic hydrogen charging were examined using optical, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The H-induced multiple twinning effe...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of alloys and compounds 1999-12, Vol.293, p.356-360
Main Authors: Szummer, A, Jezierska, E, Lublińska, K
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Ferritic stainless steels
Hydrogen
Microstructure
Radiation-like damage
Surface effects
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Summary:The surface microstructure of ferritic chromium stainless steels subjected to hydrogen charging was investigated. Mono- and polycrystalline samples after severe cathodic hydrogen charging were examined using optical, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The H-induced multiple twinning effect was observed, which manifested itself in the formation of grain oriented needles with a pronounced surface relief, similar to those appearing in the quasi-martensitic transformation. This was accompanied by a heavy increase in the dislocation density and microhardness, intensification of microcrack formation, a strong refinement of the ferrite grains and a radiation-like damage to the structure of the surface layer several microns thick. These results indicate that the surface zone is much more saturated with hydrogen, which is “implanted” into the steel during cathodic charging, than the bulk.
ISSN:0925-8388
1873-4669
DOI:10.1016/S0925-8388(99)00401-6