Micro-Structural Effects and Degree of Degradation in Hydrogen-Metastable Austenitic Steels Systems*

Abstract

The susceptibility of the 304L and 316L metastable austenitic stainless steels (MASS) to hydrogen (H) damage have been studied by applying tensile tests at room temperature (RT). Mechanical properties of these materials after introduction of various amounts of martensite phases and low fugacity (LF) hydrogen are presented. The relationship between micro-structure, existing H and local stress-fields, and their effects on the mechanical behaviour are discussed.