Overview of Hydrogen Effects on γ−ε Martensitic Transformation in Steels

This paper presents an overview of our recent works on the effects of hydrogen on γ–ε martensitic transformations in steels. The study first discusses how hydrogen impacts these transformations. While hydrogen suppresses thermally-induced γ–ε martensitic transformation, it increases the fraction and number density of deformation-induced ε–martensite and decreases its thickness. Secondly, we discuss the effects of γ–ε martensitic transformations on hydrogen kinetics. The study also highlights the significance of low hydrogen diffusivity in the hexagonal-close-packed (HCP) lattice of pure iron, demonstrating the effectiveness of ε–martensite in resisting hydrogen. Moreover, the characteristic behavior of the HCP phase-related diffusionless transformation from a hydride is discussed. We believe that this overview will assist in developing hydrogen-resistant steels and in exploring new microstructural control concepts using hydrogen.