Face-centered-cubic (FCC) materials are regarded as suitable for use in hydrogen-containing environments due to their low hydrogen diffusion coefficient. However, despite this advantage, the hydrogen-enhanced localized plasticity (HELP) mechanism [1,2] is often triggered in these materials when exposed to hydrogen. This can result in enhanced localized dislocation motion and localized plasticity, which can lead to reduced overall ductility of the sample, though without significant changes in its yield strength. From an engineering perspective, this makes FCC materials well-suited for the construction of components in hydrogen-rich environments, where maintaining structural integrity is critical.

This talk examines the effects of hydrogen on various face-centered cubic (FCC) materials, including metastable austenitic stainless steels and stable austenitic stainless steels, in both as-annealed and strain-hardened conditions. The influence of hydrogen is characterized through extensive hydrogen analysis, tensile testing, and fractographic investigations. These methods offer valuable insights into the material's behavior under hydrogen exposure, highlighting the critical role of matrix stability and homogeneity.