Estudo da fragilização por hidrogênio em aços inoxidáveis UNS S41003 e ENDUR 300 submetidos a hidrogenação eletrolítica

Abstract

Given the imperative search for more eco-efficient energy sources, capable of mitigating environmental impacts and, simultaneously, meeting the growing energy demands of civil society, the industrial sector and other sectors, a prominent discussion has been established in climate conferences. international. From this perspective, the concept of green hydrogen emerges, emerging as an alternative to conventional fossil fuels. The Brazilian northeastern scenario, in particular the State of Ceará, attracts singular investment attention aimed at the implementation of technologies aimed at the production of green hydrogen. However, the full viability of this energy vector presents challenges, especially with regard to the storage and transport phases, whose tiny atomic size of hydrogen provides a notable tendency for diffusion in metallic structures, compromising the mechanical and metallurgical characteristics and, potentially, inducing embrittlement and fractures. In this context, the objective emerges of investigating the sensitivity to the embrittlement process together with the mechanical response of Endur 300 and UNS S4100 stainless steel alloys to different times of exposure to hydrogen. The work methodology involves preparing specimens, electrolytic hydrogenation treatments for 1 (one) hour and 3 (three) hours, followed by tensile testing, hardness and microhardness testing and, finally, fractography. The results indicate that the stainless alloy UNS S41003 presented ductile behavior affected to a certain degree by embrittlement, being revealed in the T.H.E. condition. 3 hours, due to the presence of noticeable formation of propagating cracks on the fracture surface. In relation to the stainless alloy Endur 300, a greater degree of brittle behavior was observed when subjected to the electrolytic hydrogenation test for 1 hour and for 3 hours.