Effects of tungsten on the hydrogen embrittlement behaviour of microalloyed steels

The effects of tungsten (W) additions (0, 0.1, 0.5 and 1 wt.%) on the hydrogen embrittlement behaviour of microalloyed steels were systematically investigated by means of slow strain rate tests on circumferentially notched cylindrical specimens, and the mechanism of hydrogen-induced embrittlement was discussed. W addition is found to increase the activation energy of hydrogen desorption. Microstructural features affect the hydrogen embrittlement behaviour and fracture modes of microalloyed steels. It is suggested that the hydrogen-induced embrittlement in the studied microalloyed steels with different W additions is caused by the combined effects of decohesion and internal pressure in the presence of hydrogen.