The impact of hydrogen on the oxidation behavior of duplex stainless steel in air and solution

Purpose This study aims to investigate the impact of hydrogen on the oxidation process in air and solution on duplex stainless steel. Design/methodology/approach The magnetic force microscopy and ToF-SIMS techniques were used to determine the different phases, oxide-film thickness and changes of oxide-film composition. Findings The electrochemical passivation film in the solution was driven by the potential, resulting in the phases forming a thicker film with a double-layer than that of the air; hydrogen charging causes a reduction in the oxide composition of Cr in the oxide film of both two phases, leading to a thickness of less 2 nm film presenting a non-bilayer structure. Before and after hydrogen charging, the effect of hydrogen on the growth of the oxide-film in the solution is higher than that in the air; nevertheless, the oxide-film in the solution after hydrogen charging is still dominated by Cr oxides. Originality/value This study provides data to help design hydrogen-corrosion-resistant stainless steel for real-world atmospheric conditions.