During the past 6-7 years SINTEF has undertaken several studies of the sensitivity to hydrogen embrittlement (HE) of super 13Cr martensitic stainless steels. These tests have been summarised in this paper. Both slow strain rate (SSR), 4-point-bend and fracture mechanics testing have been conducted. The effect of temperature, cathodic protection (CP), applied potential, strain rate and H2S were investigated. Both base material and welds of three different alloys were tested. Compared to in air a large reduction in the ductility is seen especially at ambient temperature and lower when applying CP in 3.5% NaCl. The sensitivity to HE is effected by temperature, applied potential, hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and strain rate. Combinations of CP and H2S seems to have a synergistic effect. The environmental impact on fracture mechanics properties has shown a similar dramatic decrease in crack tip open displacement (CTOD) values.

You do not currently have access to this content.