The role of hydrogen in hydrogen embrittlement fracture of lath martensitic steel

Akihide Nagao, Cynthia D. Smith, Mohsen Dadfarnia, Petros Sofronis, Ian M. Robertson

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    252 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    The microstructure associated with the hydrogen-induced features flat and quasi-cleavage on the fracture surface of a lath martensitic steel has been visualized in a transmission electron microscope by using focused-ion beam machining to extract samples perpendicular to the fracture surface. Beneath both hydrogen-induced fracture surfaces there is direct evidence, in the form of intense slip bands and destruction of lath boundaries, for significant plasticity. These observations are considered in terms of the fundamental hydrogen embrittlement mechanisms, and the conclusion is reached that the failure is driven by a hydrogen-enhanced and plasticity-mediated decohesion mechanism.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)5182-5189
    Number of pages8
    JournalActa Materialia
    Volume60
    Issue number13-14
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Aug 2012

    All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

    • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
    • Ceramics and Composites
    • Polymers and Plastics
    • Metals and Alloys

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