Modelling of the Hydrogen Diffusion in Martensitic Steel in Contact with H2SO4 Media

J. Bouhattate[1], X. Feaugas[1], and S. Frappart[1][2]
[1]Laboratoire d’Etudes des Matériaux en Milieux Agressifs,
Université de La Rochelle, La Rochelle, France
[2]V&M France, CEV, Aulnoye-Aymeries, France
Published in 2009

Hydrogen Embrittlement (HE) is one of the mechanisms responsible for premature failure of structures. In the context of environmental sustainability, it is compelling to improve or conceive new processes and/or new materials capable of reducing fracture induced by HE. We analyzed the influence of the oxide layer on the permeability of hydrogen. This investigation was carried on as a correlative effort with experimental tests completed on steel with a quenched and tempered martensitic microstructure within acid media (H2SO4). Hydrogen concentration, variation of the thickness and the diffusion coefficient of the oxide layer may affect the apparent diffusion coefficient. Phenomenological laws have been derived to approach true diffusion coefficient and average hydrogen concentration as a function of apparent diffusion coefficient and hydrogen concentration at the entry side of the sample.

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