Effects of Si Content on Hydrogen Embrittlement of High Strength Pearlitic Steel Wire for Bridge

Abstract

Bridge steel wire is composed of 100% pearlite microstructure and it requires high degree of cleanliness for safety and its strength has been steadily increased for economic reasons. Moreover, as many bridges are exposed to water environment, safety for hydrogen embrittlement has also been emphasized these days. However, research on the hydrogen embrittlement of high strength bridge steel wire is not sufficient compared to the research on strengthening bridge steel wire. Therefore, in this study, the hydrogen embrittlement properties of 2200MPa high strength steel wire for bridge and the effect of Si addition were investigated. The results showed that there are beneficial and harmful effects of Si addition on hydrogen embrittlement properties. Detailed mechanisms are discussed based on the microstructural analysis.