Hydrogen Uptake in Steels Exposed to High-Pressure H2 Gas

Experimental data on hydrogen uptake in steels exposed to high-pressure H2 gas is limited and its uptake mechanism has not been well understood. The present study has examined the effects of H2 gas pressure, elevated temperature and steel type on hydrogen entry into steels using a combination of a conventional autoclave and thermal desorption analysis, and also a newly developed high-pressure H2 gas permeation testing apparatus. The obtained experimental data reveals that hydrogen uptake in steels is sensitive to the surface condition and the role of Pd plating and the native air-formed oxide film in hydrogen entry into steels will be discussed.