Abstract
The hydrogen embrittlement of Cr–Mo steel has been studied. The effects of tempering temperature on the hydrogen diffusivity and hydrogen assisted cracking, without external stress, are investigated. Hydrogen permeation and trapping, for the various microstructural conditions, were measured using electrochemical equipment. The microprecipitate distribution in the steel was observed using transmission electron microscopy. The steel, which was heat treated to give a variety of microstructures, was cathodically hydrogen charged and the critical microstructural sites for hydrogen induced cracking examined. Cracks initiated by the charging treatments were found to nucleate at MnS interfaces. Hydrogen diffusivity and trapping are strongly dependent on the tempering parameters.
MST/1947
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