Hydrogen Susceptibility of Pre-strained Type 316L Austenitic Stainless Steels in Aqueous Solutions

This paper presents the observations made as a result of hydrogen effects in austenitic stainless steels which led to reduction of its original mechanical properties. This paper therefore seeks to understand the mechanisms and effects induced by hydrogen leading to embrittlement. The samples of Type 316L austenitic stainless steel with 20% pre-strain were charged with hydrogen through galvanostastic cathodic loading for 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours respectively, with sample as Cathode and the platinum wire as Anode. Afterwards, they were fractured under tensile test at a slow strain rates. The loss of ductility was evident as observed by the brittle nature of fracture. Small pieces were cut-off near the fracture region and examined through XRD and SEM analysis. The peak widening and slight shifting of the peak positions was observed. The surface cracking was also observed, an indication of surface-induced stresses. The severity of the effects increased with the hydrogen loading time, which is predictive of a real service conditions for austenite steels in aqueous environments.