Effect of Hydrogen on the Nanomechanical Properties of Passive Films Formed on Stainless Steel

The effect of hydrogen on the nanomechanical properties of passive films formed on 316 stainless steel was investigated by using nanoindentation and electrochemical testing techniques. The results show that the critical fracture load of passive films is reduced and the displacement excursion is decreased with the increase of the concentration of hydrogen. The reduction of radial breaking stress and elastic modulus of passive films is attributed to that hydrogen changes the structure of passive films.