Role of shot-peening on hydrogen embrittlement of a low-carbon steel and a 304 stainless steel

Shot-peening surface treatments were performed on a low-carbon steel and a 304 stainless steel. The influence of residual stresses on hydrogen permeation and distribution was investigated. The results were correlated with the tensile properties measured in air after cathodic charging and in a NACE medium under slow load-rate straining. The role of shotpeening on the hydrogen embrittlement of the low-carbon steel is strongly dependent on the severity of the hydrogen environment and testing conditions. The detrimental effect of shotpeening on the hydrogen embrittlement of the stainless steel is related to phase transformations induced by cold work.