The hydrogen embrittlement of Fe-Ni martensites

Abstract

Iron alloys containing 20 and 30 pct Ni and 3 to 4 cu cm H per 100 g metal have been subjected to slow strain-rate tensile tests in a study of hydrogen embrittlement. In the lower nickel massive martensite alloy, embrittlement is manifest as the cracking of prior austenite grain boundaries and is severe at room temperature but less marked at -196°C; while in the higher nickel acicular martensite alloy, the embrittlement observed at 20°C does not occur at —196°C. Hydrogen embrittlement in these materials is believed to be the result of high hydrogen contents in the vicinity of the prior austenite grain boundaries combined with stress concentrations caused by boundary perturbations which result from the impact of the martensite shears. During deformation, microcracks form and propagate in the prior austenite grain boundaries, probably assisted by internal hydrogen pressure and the lowering of crack surface energy by hydrogen adsorption. The temperature dependence and the effect of the type of martensite on the embrittlement can be explained by their effects on the hydrogen content and stress concentrations at prior austenite grain boundaries during deformation.