Effect of Plastic Pre-deformation on Hydrogen Embrittlement of 316L Austenitic Stainless Steel

Plastic pre-deformation with various degrees was carried out for 316L austenitic stainless steel plate. The effect of plastic pre-deformation percentage on the hydrogen embrittlement of 316L austenitic stainless steel plate was investigated by electrochemical hydrogen charging and tensile test. The results showed that with the increase of plastic pre-deformation percentage, the yield strength and tensile strength of 316L stainless steel increased, but plasticity decreased. The strength of 316L stainless steel was less affected by hydrogen charging, but the plasticity was further decreased, indicating that hydrogen embrittlement occurred. The plasticity loss increased with the plastic pre-deformation increasing, which means the hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility of 316L stainless steel is highly dependent on the amount of plastic deformation.