Resistance of Quench and Partitioned Steels Against Hydrogen Embrittlement

Hamdi Ahmed Elsayed Ahmed*, Andreas Drexler, Fernando Gustavo Warchomicka, Ines Traxler, Josef Domitner, Matthew Galler, Rudolf Vallant, Christof Sommitsch

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Multiphase ultra-high strength steels (UHSS) containing retained austenite (RA) appear to be among the most interesting steels for the automotive industry. Developments in the last decades have allowed obtaining a very good combination of mechanical strength and ductility. Quenching and partitioning (Q&P) steels have been proposed as third-generation UHSS, reaching ultimate tensile strength up to 1300 MPa along with excellent fracture elongations of more than 15%. However, the use of Q&P steels is mainly limited by their susceptibility to hydrogen embrittlement (HE). The present work investigates the influence of the Q&P heat treatment parameters on the mechanical properties and on the HE resistivity of 20Mn-Si wire rod steel. The HE resistivity was measured using incremental step load testing with in situ electrochemical hydrogen charging according to ASTM F1624-12 standard. A comprehensive microstructure characterization was performed to examine volume fraction, nucleation sites and morphologies of RA. Although the mechanical properties were similar after Q&P heat treatment, an increase in the partitioning time revealed a significant increase in the HE threshold stress of more than 200 MPa.

Original languageEnglish
Number of pages15
JournalJournal of Materials Engineering and Performance
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022

Keywords

  • hydrogen
  • hydrogen embrittlement (HE)
  • incremental step load test (ISLT)
  • quenching and partitioning (Q&P)
  • ultra-high strength steels (UHSS)

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Materials Science(all)

Fields of Expertise

  • Mobility & Production

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