Effect of hydrogen on the pitting mechanism of tellurium-modified 38MnVS6 non-quenched and tempered steel in alkaline NaCl solution.

This study investigates the influence of hydrogen on the pitting behavior of tellurium-modified 38MnVS6 Non-quenched and Tempered steel (NQTS). Hydrogen primarily accumulates at the interface between inclusions and the matrix, reducing the local pH of pits in corrosive solution. For specimens charged for 12 h, hydrogen blisters gradually rise in size and number with the increase of tellurium (Te) content, resulting in higher local stress and facilitating the pitting formation. • Hydrogen affects pitting in Te-modified 38MnVS6 NQTS steel. • Hydrogen accumulation at inclusion/matrix interfaces lowers local pH in corrosive solution. • Longer hydrogen charging forms more hydrogen blisters, boosting stress and pitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]