Effect of the segregation band on the hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility of quenched and partitioned steel

In this study, the effect of segregation bands on the hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility of QP1180 was examined by slow strain rate tensile tests, and it was shown that almost all hydrogen-induced cracks originated at the segregation bands, which eventually led to the fracture. In addition, the hydrogen distribution characteristic of QP1180 was also visualized by hydrogen microprinting tests, showing that the local hydrogen concentration of QP1180 is as follows: Segregation band > Retained austenite > Prior austenite grain boundaries > Block boundaries > Martensite > Ferrite.