Plasma nitriding as a prevention method against hydrogen degradation of steel

• Autorzy: Ćwiek J.
• Języki publikacji: EN

Abstrakty

EN

Purpose: of this paper is evaluation of susceptibility to hydrogen degradation of structural low-alloy steel, plasma nitrided in the atmosphere with various contents of N2 and H2. Design/methodology/approach: Susceptibility of 34CrAlNi7-10 steel and samples with various plasma nitrided layers have been evaluated under monotonically increasing load in 0.005 M H2SO4 solution. The nitrided layers were investigated with the use of an X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Auger Electrons Spectroscopy (AES). Slow-Strain Rate Tensile (SSRT) test was carried out under cathodic polarisation. Elongation, reduction in area, fracture energy and tensile strength were chosen as measures of susceptibility to hydrogen embrittlement. Fracture modes of failed samples were examined with the use of Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Findings: All tested samples revealed susceptibility to hydrogen degradation under hydrogenation. Samples with nitrided layer have lower lost of reduction in area than base metal samples. The nitrided layer established in standard atmosphere 30% H2 and 70% N2 has the highest resistance to hydrogen degradation. Research limitations/implications: Further research should be taken to reveal the exact mechanism of increased plasticity of nitrided layer with absorbed hydrogen. Practical implications: Plasma nitriding may prevent hydrogen charging of machines and vehicles parts in hydrogen generating environments, and thus decreasing susceptibility to hydrogen embrittlement. Originality/value: Under the increasing load and hydrogen generating environments plasma nitrided layers are effective barriers to hydrogen entry into a bulk of steel, and additionally increased plasticity of nitrided layers with absorbed hydrogen has been observed.

Słowa kluczowe

EN

crack resistance; plasma assisted nitriding; hydrogen embrittlement

PL

odporność na pękanie; azotowanie plazmowe; kruchość wodorowa

• Wydawca: International OCSCO World Press
• Czasopismo: Journal of Achievements in Materials and Manufacturing Engineering
• Rocznik: 2009
• Tom: Vol. 36, nr 1
• Strony: 25--32
• Opis fizyczny: Bibliogr. 15 poz., rys., tabl.

Twórcy

autor

Ćwiek J.

• Division of Materials Processing Technology, Management and Computer Techniques in Materials Science, Institute of Engineering Materials and Biomaterials, Silesian University of Technology, ul. Konarskiego 18a, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland,

Bibliografia

• [1] ASM Handbook. Vol. 11 Failure Analysis and Prevention, ASM Int., 1986.
• [2] H. K. Birnbaum, Mechanisms of hydrogen-related fracture of metals, Proceedings of the International Conference „Environment-Induced Cracking of Metals”, National Association of Corrosion Engineers, Houston, Texas, USA, 1988, 21-29.
• [3] J. Ćwiek, Hydrogen degradation of high strength weldable steels, Journal of Achievements in Materials and Manufacturing Engineering 20 (2007) 223-226.
• [4] P. F. Timmins, Solutions to hydrogen attack in steels, AMS Int., 1997.
• [5] J. Ćwiek, A. Zieliński, Mechanism of hydrogen enhanced-cracking of high-strength steel welded joints, Journal of Achievements in Materials and Manufacturing Engineering 18 (2006) 207-210.
• [6] B. Świeczko-Żurek, S. Sobieszczyk, J. Ćwiek, A. Zieliński, Evaluation of susceptibility of high-strength steels to hydrogen delayed cracking, Journal of Achievements in Materials and Manufacturing Engineering 18 (2006) 243-246.
• [7] A. Zieliński, J. Ćwiek, M. Błaszkiewicz, Effect of plasma nitrided layers on low-alloy steel on its hydrogen degradation, Journal of Achievements in Materials and Manufacturing Engineering 17 (2006) 213-216.
• [8] S. Sobieszczyk, E. Łunarska, J. Ćwiek, A. Zieliński, K. Nikiforow, Hydrogen charging of plasma nitrided steel in acid solution, Journal of Achievements in Materials and Manufacturing Engineering 17 (2006) 205-208.
• [9] T. Zakroczymski, N. Łukomski, J. Flis, The effect of plasma nitriding-base treatments on the absorption of hydrogen by iron, Corrosion Science 37 (1995) 811-822.
• [10] P. Kula, The comparison of resistance to “hydrogen wear” of hardened surface layers, Wear 178 (1994) 117-121.
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• [12] PN-EN 10085:2003 Nitriding steels – Technical delivery conditions.
• [13] PN-EN 6507-1: 1999. Metallic materials. Vickers hardness test – Part 1: Test method.
• [14] PN-EN ISO 7539-7:2000 Corrosion of metals and alloys – Stress corrosion testing – Part 7: Slow strain rate testing.
• [15] PN-EN ISO 7539-4:2000 Corrosion of metals and alloys – Stress corrosion testing – Part 4: Preparation and use of uniaxially loaded tensions specimens.