Effect of Hydrogen on Mechanical Properties of 304L Austenitic Stainless Steel

A series of electrochemical hydrogen charging tests were carried out for 304L austenitic stainless steel.Tensile tests and impact tests were employed for hydrogen-charging specimen.The results show that the hydrogen content was 14 mg·kg-1 in 304L stainless steel after 96 h hydrogen charging with the current density of 20 mA·cm-2.Hydrogen in the steel induced decline of strength ,plasticity and toughness in some degree.The fractography showed the tensile specimen fractue surface changed form ductile fracture before hydrogen-charging to embrittlement fracture after hydrogen-changing.