High-strength steels are essential for hydrogen infrastructure, including pipelines, storage tanks, vessels, and offshore turbine bases, playing critical roles in Australia’s hydrogen supply and export value chains. However, hydrogen embrittlement that causes premature fracture, poses a significant barrier [1–3].
Giflo’s green steel has demonstrated excellent hydrogen resistance at room temperature in a preliminary study conducted by USyd for Giflo. This steel has sustainably recycled and manufactured to contain uniquely tailored copper nanoprecipitates. Supported by the literature [4,5] copper bearing steels may also show excellent corrosion resistance, making this steel a promising candidate for building marine hydrogen infrastructures, however, the steel’s properties have not yet fully-examined under conditions that reflect these harsh working environments.
This project aims to rigorously evaluate Giflo’s steels, including welded regions, under high-pressure hydrogen (electrochemically simulated hydrogen fugacity, equivalent to 50-100 bar), low-temperature (-150°C to room temperature), and marine conditions (Brisbane port seawater and simulated corrosive environment). Activities include environmental mechanical test, electrochemical corrosion studies, and microstructural analyses using advanced microscopy techniques [6]. These correlative studies will elucidate embrittlement mechanisms and assess the suitability of these steels for versatile hydrogen application scenarios.
The project will validate the steels’ applications for hydrogen transmission and storage, de-risking hydrogen export infrastructure. Through this extended collaboration, we will work towards creating new knowledge in green steelmaking and hydrogen embrittlement, leading to publications in prestigious journals; assessing a potential hydrogen-tolerant, cryo-compatible and corrosion resistant sustainable steel; training researchers, enhancing Australia’s hydrogen workforce. This project aligns with both FEnEx CRC’s missions and national hydrogen strategy, strengthening Australia’s global hydrogen export competitiveness.
Partners: The University of Sydney, Giflo Steels Australia Pty Ltd
Project Leader: Dr Ranmin Niu
Duration: 2 years