Plasma Hydrogenation of High-Carbon Structural Steel Wires under Different Prestressing Levels

High-carbon structural steel wires were prestressed to various levels in a plasma hydrogenation environment and then pulled in a slow strain rate test (SSRT). The effect of plasma hydrogenation under different prestressing levels on the material's tensile response and hydrogen embrittlement was noted. It was found that the ultimate tensile strength (UTS), yield strength, and ductility of the steel wire samples are decreased by plasma hydrogenation and prestressing levels. The more drastic decrease in the UTS, yield strength, and ductility is found in the plasma hydrogenated prestressing steel to a higher prestressing level. Moreover, the hydrogen embrittlement index of the steel wire samples is significantly increased by plasma hydrogenation and prestressing level. The highly plasma hydrogenated prestressing steel wire samples exhibit complete brittle fracture. A mixed mode of fracture, i.e., ductile and brittle, was observed at the surface of the plasma hydrogenated prestressing steel wire samples at lower levels. The hydrogen embrittlement areas at the fracture surfaces of steel wire samples are observed to increase with plasma hydrogenation and prestressing levels. More severe hydrogen cracking and blistering resulted in the fracture surfaces of plasma-hydrogenated prestressing steel wire samples with higher levels.