Effect of Tempering Condition on Hydrogen Diffusion Behavior of Martensitic High-Strength Steel

Martensitic high-strength steels revealed superior mechanical properties of high tensile strength exceeding 1000 Mpa, and have been applied in a variety of industries. When the steels are exposed to corrosive environments, however, they are susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement (HE), resulting in catastrophic cracking failure. To improve resistance to HE, it is crucial to obtain significant insight into the exact physical nature associated with hydrogen diffusion behavior in the steel. For martensitic steels, tempering condition should be adjusted carefully to improve toughness. The tempering process involves microstructural modifications, that provide changes in hydrogen diffusion/trapping behavior in the steels. From this perspective, this study examined the relationship between tempering condition and hydrogen diffusion behavior in the steels. Results based on glycerin measurements and hydrogen permeation evaluations indicated that hydrogen diffusion/trapping behavior was strongly affected by the characteristics of precipitates, as well as by metallurgical defects such as dislocation. Tempering condition should be adjusted properly by considering required mechanical properties and resistance to HE.