Comparative evaluation of electrochemical sorption/desorption properties of hydrogen in steels with various microstructural phases

摘要

Hydrogen Embrittlement of metals can lead to unexpected failure of structures. To have a better understanding of this phenomenon, hydrogen sorption/desorption properties need to be characterized. In an electrochemical environment, atomic hydrogen is generated as a source and adsorbs on the metal surface. Subsequently the adsorbed hydrogen can follow two routes: either recombination to generate hydrogen molecules in a gaseous state, or absorption followed by diffusion in the metal microstructure. Once hydrogen is incorporated, it interacts with the microstructural constituents (different phases, carbides, grain-boundaries etc.).