A study on stress corrosion cracking and hydrogen embrittlement of Jethete M152 martensitic stainless steel

Stress corrosion cracking and hydrogen embrittlement of Jethete M152 martensitic stainless steel were investigated by using constant load and slow strain rate tension test, optical microscope, transmission electron microscope and scanning electron microscope. The results show that lath martensite was formed and no austenite was observed. Stress corrosion cracking and hydrogen embrittlement were intensified with enhancing stress level and increasing hydrogen charging current density. Fractographic analysis revealed that corrosive environment resulted in the distinct change of fracture morphology from dimple to intergranular. It is indicated that undeformable Al2O3 inclusion is an important factor in stress corrosion cracking and hydrogen embrittlement for Jethete M152 steel. Meanwhile, it is beneficial to enhance resistance to stress corrosion cracking and hydrogen embrittlement by decreasing the inclusion size.