Nanomechanical evaluation of the protectiveness of nitrided layers against hydrogen embrittlement

► Plasma nitride layer of 316 SS was studied by electrochemical nanoindentation. ► H effect on mechanical properties of the substrate and nitride layer was studied. ► H increases the hardness of 316 SS and has opposite effect on the nitride layer. ► The H induced softening is advantageous for controlling the H embrittlement. ► The H induced softening is dependent on the N concentration.