Análisis de la fragilización de un acero inoxidable dúplex en contacto con hidrógeno mediante ensayos de tracción con probetas lisas y entalladas

Abstract

In recent years, within the global context of environmental awareness, hydrogen has emerged as a new energy source. As a result, there is a strong need for the development of new steels that, in hydrogen-rich environments, guarantee the necessary safety and reliability throughout their service life. In this context, the influence of hydrogen on the tensile strength of a duplex stainless steel was evaluated using smooth and notched tensile specimens tested under in-situ electrochemical hydrogen charging and the corresponding embrittlement indexes were determinated. The influence of the applied current density (hydrogen content) and the displacement rate on the hydrogen embrittlement of this steel were also evaluated. Finally, the operating failure micromechanisms in each case were analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Greater embrittlement was observed when tests were carried out at lower displacement rates and under higher electrochemical current densities, with clear changes in the observed failure micromechanisms.