Performance Evaluation at Cryogenic Temperature with Cryogenic Materials Applications in Ships: A Review

The increasing demand for liquefied hydrogen (LHS) as a clean energy carrier necessitates the development of structural materials capable of withstanding extreme cryogenic conditions. This paper reviews three primary candidate materials austenitic stainless steels, high nickel steels, and high-manganese steels focusing on their mechanical properties, fracture toughness, and susceptibility to hydrogen embrittlement. Austenitic stainless steels provide excellent toughness and hydrogen resistance but are limited by low strength and high cost. Conventional 9%Ni steels have demonstrated reliable performance in LNG service, while newly developed 13-15%Ni steels exhibit stable fracture toughness down to lower temperature, extending their applicability to LH2 environments. High-manganese steels offer an attractive balance of high toughness, strength, and cost effectiveness; however, further validation of hydrogen embrittlement resistance and international standardization are required before large-scale implementation. The comparative evaluation highlights that each alloy system presents distinct advantages and limitations, and that future efforts should focus on comprehensive cryogenic testing and the establishment of consistent qualification standards to ensure safe and efficient deployment of LH2 storage and transportation systems.