Thermal/Mechanical Alterations of SAE 1008 Steel and Fe--12 ppm C vs. Hydrogen Overpotential in Alkaline Solution

Studies of the effects of microstructure and crystal orientation of mild steel and pure Fe on the steady-state electrocatalytic performance for the hydrogen evolution reaction in caustic have been carried out at room temperature. The results from these studies anticipate methods of lowering the Tafel slope by appropriate thermomechanical processing, which should lead to a more efficient cathode while maintaining the desirable mechanical properties of the mild steel. A consistent first-order explanation of the beneficial effects of metastable martensite and certain preferred crystal orientation is presented. 20 ref.--AA