Mechanical load induced hydrogen charging of retained austenite in quenching and partitioning (Q&P) steel

This work investigates the effect of a constant load on hydrogen diffusion through Q&P steel containing metastable retained austenite by combining electrochemical permeation and thermal desorption spectroscopy. Material samples are placed under different external loading conditions, ranging from 50% to 125% yield stress. The transients indicate that is delayed all stressed even at stresses in elastic regime, with delay increasing applied load. From spectroscopy performed same specimens after test, it appears tested show high temperature peak, which not present unloaded sample. Further differential scanning calorimetry analysis confirms peak related result effusion release due transformation austenite.