High-strength steels are prone to hydrogen embrittlement. To mitigate this, microstructural features like carbides, which trap mobile H, can be introduced. To investigate these trapping sites, atom probe tomography (APT) offers near-atomic spatial resolution and high sensitivity for all elements. So far, the use of cryogenic transfer has been necessary, to prevent H or D from diffusing and escaping the samples.
Chalmers University of Technology scientists have recently successfully observed H/D trapping within the microstructure of a high-strength steel using Atom Probe Tomography without cryogenic transfer.
The findings offer valuable insights into hydrogen behavior within materials and present a more practical approach for researchers studying hydrogen trapping mechanisms using APT, eliminating the need for extensive cryogenic handling.
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