Summary: | Hydrogen embrittlement (HE) in API 5L X70 steel was investigated by testing notched and unnotched uniaxial tensile specimens and single-edge tension specimen, SE(T). Apparent hydrogen diffusivity (Dapp = 1.4 x 10-10 m2/s) and solubility (Sapp = 4.9 mol H/m3) were determined by electrochemical hydrogen permeation tests. Through mathematical fitting, it was possible to separate the strong traps present at the beginning of the first permeation curve (φ = 0.43 mol H/m3). Uniaxial tensile tests showed a loss of ductility of up to 33% in the hydrogenated condition. Fracture mechanics tests exhibited a toughness decrease of 14% after exposure to hydrogen. The high resistance to HE was presented suggesting that these microalloyed steels can solubilize hydrogen in the matrix with low segregation, reducing the impact on embrittlement. A mix of ductile and quasi-cleavage fracture was observed in the hydrogenated samples with an increased stress triaxiality.
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