Which type of stainless steel does not suffer from hydrogen embrittlement or hydrogen-induced cracking?

Austenitic stainless steels are known for their excellent resistance to hydrogen embrittlement and hydrogen-induced cracking. This characteristic is primarily due to their face-centered cubic (FCC) crystal structure, which allows for greater ductility and toughness. The alloying elements typically found in austenitic stainless steels, such as nickel and chromium, enhance their resistance to various forms of degradation, including those caused by hydrogen.

In contrast, martensitic stainless steels, which have a body-centered tetragonal (BCT) structure, can be more susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement. Their higher strength and lower ductility can lead to increased vulnerability under hydrogen exposure. Ferritic stainless steels also have limitations when it comes to hydrogen resistance, as they can experience degradation in the presence of hydrogen. Duplex stainless steels, while combining features of both austenitic and ferritic steels, might still face issues under specific conditions involving hydrogen.

Overall, the inherent properties of austenitic stainless steels make them the most reliable choice for applications where hydrogen embrittlement and related cracking are concerns, thereby confirming why this type is considered the correct answer.