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Abstract

A low carbon/ high chromium martensitic stainless steel, X17CrNi16-2, was heat treated using two different hardening and tempering regimes (1050 °C/480 °C or 980 °C/600 °C) — promoting either a high strength or high toughness state, respectively − and further combined with deep cryogenic treatment (DCT) at −196 °C for 24 h. Over recent years DCT has been recognized as a promising technique to improve the properties of steel, predominantly with respect to its tensile strength, toughness and wear resistance. The influence of DCT on the hydrogen embrittlement resistance of martensitic stainless steel has not yet, however, been reported. A slow strain rate tensile test (SSRT) with simultaneous cathodic hydrogen charging was selected as the method to assess potential susceptibility to hydrogen embrittlement (HE). Relatively low-intensity hydrogen charging, utilizing a constant current density of 0.1 mA/cm2, in a non-corrosive, slightly alkaline buffer solution, led to a clear reduction in the ultimate tensile stress. This reduction, and therefore the HE susceptibility, was more pronounced in the steel with a higher strength (i.e. that subject to the 1050 °C/ 480 °C heat treatment condition). Furthermore, DCT did not appear to have any impact on the steel’s mechanical properties in the presence of hydrogen. Fractographic analysis showed clear evidence of HE in the hydrogen-charged specimens. This paper presents results of the SSRT tests and further fractography results, and discusses the impact of conventional and deep cryogenic treatment on HE susceptibility.