Effect of Hydrogen Charge on Hydrogen-inducing Cracking in Steel in Alkaline Solution

Abstract

Cracking in steel induced by hydrogen in alkaline conditions was observed to investigate the initiation of hydrogen embrittlement. Fractures of steel due to pre-absorbed hydrogen propagated mainly inward from the surface of the steel. In contrast, fractures of steel due to non-pre-absorbed hydrogen extended along the specimen surface. The latter case is likely to correspond to the atmospherics corrosion conditions where hydrogen entry into the steel is periodic.