Mechanical Performance of AISI 304 Austenitic Stainless Steel for Cryo-Compressed Hydrogen Storage in Support of the 2050 Energy Transition

Abstract

AISI 304 austenitic stainless steel (ASS) was systematically investigated to evaluate its mechanical behavior at cryogenic temperatures, with particular emphasis on its potential application in cryo-compressed hydrogen storage systems. Such systems are considered a cornerstone technology in the realization of global clean energy and decarbonization targets for 2050. To assess AISI 304 ASS's performance under cryogenic conditions, uniaxial tensile tests were conducted at room temperature (298 K) and at progressively reduced temperatures of −30 °C (243 K), −60 °C (213 K), and −80 °C (193 K). All experiments were performed using a universal testing machine equipped with a cooling chamber under a constant strain rate of 10⁻³ s⁻¹ to ensure the consistency and reliability of results. The experimental data revealed a distinct temperature-dependent strengthening response. The ultimate tensile strength (UTS) increased significantly by approximately 54.2% as the testing temperature decreased, while the yield strength demonstrated a more moderate improvement of 7.25%. Although uniform elongation showed a gradual reduction with decreasing temperature, the alloy retained sufficient ductility, thereby maintaining a favourable strength–ductility balance even under cryogenic conditions. These results confirm that AISI 304 ASS possesses the mechanical reliability necessary for hydrogen storage at low temperatures. Beyond its demonstrated mechanical suitability, the deployment of this widely available material supports broader sustainability objectives. Its use in cryo-compressed hydrogen storage can directly contribute to strengthening clean energy infrastructure, minimizing carbon emissions, reducing health risks associated with fossil fuel reliance, and accelerating the global transition toward a net-zero energy system by 2050.