Effect of Cathodic Protection Potentials on Susceptibility to Hydrogen Embrittlement of E460 Steel

The susceptibility to hydrogen embrittlement (HE) of E460 steel was investigated in seawater by means of slow strain rate tests and electrochemical method combined with SEM observation of fracture surfaces. The results showed that the susceptibility to hydrogen embrittlement increased with the decrease of cathodic protection potential. The fracture surface of specimen after slow strain rate test exhibited cleavage brittle fracture at -0.95 V(vs.SCE). E460 steel was subject to HE in sea water at -1.05 V(SCE).