A strategy for simultaneously enhancing mechanical strength and hydrogen embrittlement resistance: Exceptional performance of laminated metal composite in hydrogen environments

Abstract

High-strength metallic materials with low hydrogen embrittlement (HE) susceptibility have always been regarded as ideal commercial materials in the hydrogen energy field. This work proposed a low-cost laminated metal composite (LMC-CS) consisting of austenitic stainless steel (ASS) layer and martensitic steel (MART) layer, which simultaneously achieved high mechanical strength with excellent HE resistance. The ASS layers provide additional strain-hardening capability and the MART layer contributes high strength to LMC-CS after H-charging. Additionally, the composite interface displays semi-coherent characteristics, and the atomic arrangement on both sides follows the Kurdjumov-Sachs orientation relationship with (11¯0)α-Fe // (1¯11¯)γ-Fe and [111]α-Fe // [110]γ-Fe and the Nishiyama–Wassermann orientation relationship with (1¯1¯0)α-Fe // (1¯11)γ-Fe and [001]α-Fe // [011¯]γ-Fe., which coordinates deformation between layers and hinders hydrogen-induced cracks initiation at the interface. The as-designed LMC-CS achieves an ultimate tensile strength of 1102 MPa and an elongation loss of 14.8% after long-time hydrogen charging with sides sealed, outperforming a wide range of metallic materials. This work provides a fresh perspective on developing commercial materials with high strength and superior HE resistance for application in severe hydrogen environments.