About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2026 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Characterization of Minerals, Metals and Materials 2026 - In-Situ Characterization Techniques
|
| Presentation Title |
In-situ micromechanics for understanding hydrogen embrittlement in pearlitic steels |
| Author(s) |
Eason Yi-Sheng Chen, Ranming Niu |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Eason Yi-Sheng Chen |
| Abstract Scope |
Hydrogen embrittlement (HE) threatens the integrity of ferrite-pearlite steel pipelines critical for hydrogen energy applications, yet the mechanisms underlying HE in the pearlite phase remain elusive due to complex microstructures. This study introduces a novel protocol combining in-situ micromechanical testing with ex-situ electrochemical hydrogen charging to investigate hydrogen’s effects on pearlite and ferrite micropillars. Cryogenic atom probe tomography reveals hydrogen trapping within cementite lamellae, not at ferrite-cementite interfaces. Hydrogen reduces pearlite’s anisotropic yield strength, shifting slip from interfaces to the ferrite matrix in inclined lamellae and promoting shear-dominated fracture in vertical and horizontal lamellae. In ferrite, hydrogen slightly lowers yield strength but significantly enhances local plasticity, reducing deformation intermittency. These findings, driven by hydrogen-enhanced local plasticity, clarify HE mechanisms. Our scanning electron microscope-based protocol offers a robust framework for studying hydrogen-microstructure-deformation interactions, advancing the design of HE-resistant steels. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Characterization, Iron and Steel, Sustainability |