[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] Study Warns Cathodic Hydrogen Charging Can Compromise 316L Surface Integrity

Published: Feb 27, 2026 10:16

Save

According to a study published in the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, researchers have warned that the cathodic hydrogen charging process can significantly alter the surface morphology of 316L stainless steel. The research found that initial surface roughness plays a decisive role: polished surfaces exhibit much higher hydrogen concentrations (up to 17.5 ppm) and extensive cracking, while roughened surfaces promote bubble recombination, reducing hydrogen ingress. Additionally, the study noted that while acidic electrolytes (H2SO4) cause the most severe surface degradation, neutral and alkaline electrolytes can leave behind unintended impurity deposits (such as lead-rich carbonates), potentially skewing experimental results for hydrogen-energy infrastructure materials.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM‘s internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or to learn more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn

For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn

Related News

37 mins ago

[Nickel Midday Market Review] Nickel prices dropped slightly on February 27, indirect talks between Iran and the U.S. ended with differences remaining between the two sides.

37 mins ago

1 hour ago

[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] Indonesian Industry Warns of Ecosystem Disruptions from US Trade Pact and Mining Quota Cuts

The Indonesian Nickel Industry Forum (FINI) has warned that the newly signed Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) with the US must not disrupt the existing nickel ecosystem, which is currently dominated by Chinese investment. The pact, signed on February 19, mandates that Indonesia implement production restrictions on foreign-owned facilities to align with national mining quotas. Simultaneously, the Indonesian government has slashed the 2026 nickel ore production quota to 260–270 million tonnes (down from 379 million tonnes in 2025) to preserve reserves and combat structural oversupply. Notably, the approved quota for PT Weda Bay Nickel was cut from 42 million tonnes to just 12 million tonnes.

1 hour ago

[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] Major Taiwanese Mill Raises March List Prices by Up to TWD 2,000/t Amid Surging Costs

A major mainstream stainless steel producer in Taiwan announced yesterday that it will raise its domestic list prices for March sales to offset rising production expenses and anticipated demand recovery. For March deliveries, the mill has increased the prices of 304-series hot-rolled and cold-rolled products, as well as surcharges for 316L, by TWD 2,000/mt ($64/t), while 430-series prices were raised by TWD 1,000/mt. This decision reflects a cumulative three-month price hike across the region's leading mills, driven by firm support from raw material costs and significant production cuts in Indonesia. The optimistic outlook is further bolstered by regional economic growth fueled by the AI infrastructure boom, which is increasingly driving demand for high-end stainless steel alloys.

1 hour ago