A comprehensive study on corrosion and hydrogen embrittlement of low carbon steel

Corrosion-induced hydrogen damage has not been well studied though it severely degrades low carbon steel in acid ambient. This paper experimentally investigates the dependence of corrosion of low carbon steel on hydrogen concentration. The samples immersed into 1M and 3M hydrochloride acid for 7, 14 and 21 days are tested to evaluate the relationship between mass loss and hydrogen concentra- tion. Scanning electron microscope and tensile test are thereafter conducted to trace initiated cracks and detect loss of tensile properties after corrosion. Experimental data illustrate that the hydrogen concen- tration and cracks initiations go up with the corrosion rate while the accumulated hydrogen has limited impact on mechanical properties at 0.32 parts-per million of concentration.