Effect of hydrogen concentration on the embrittlement of a duplex stainless steel

Hydrogen embrittlement of 23Cr-5Ni-3Mo duplex stainless steel, charged with hydrogen cathodically evolved from various aqueous solutions, was investigated. The constant slow strain rate tests were employed to provide comparative data for the cracking susceptibility, whereas the electrochemical desorption technique was used to determine the amount of absorbed hydrogen. The obtained results showed that the reduction in ductility of the steel is closely connected with the concentration of hydrogen introduced.