SIMS analysis on austenitic stainless steel: The influence of type of oxide surface layer on hydrogen embrittlement

- For nine different alloys, four types of oxides were distinguished.
- For the different ASS the probability of martensite nuclei formation was calculated.
- Three types of oxides show a linear relationship between RRA and the probability of the nucleation of martensite.
- ASS with high constant oxide content down to 60 nm depth, do not follow the trend.
- This type of oxide is regarded as beneficial for high resistance against HE.