Study of the hydrogen uptake in deformed steel using the microcapillary cell technique

The microcapillary cell electrochemical method is capable of evaluating hydrogen (H) uptake in steel with respect to deformation, which is induced by various mechanical methods (cold rolling, bending and punching). A clear relation between the deformation degree and the local H-content is established for dual phase (DP600) steel. The magnitude of the deformation nearby a punched edge is quantitatively determined using electron backscatter diffraction technique. A shear-affected zone is identified at the edge of the punched hole. The dedicated local electrochemical measurements confirm the presence of high concentrations of local-H in this shear affected zone, which is likely detrimental for H-embrittlement.