Have you always wondered how and where hydrogen embrittlement occurs? Are you also interested in how the entire process can be prevented?

Here, we offer a brief overview and some information on hydrogen embrittlement!

What is hydrogen embrittlement?

Hydrogen embrittlement is a type of corrosion in which hydrogen penetrates a metal grid and is deposited there. The resulting increase in volume may lead to high stress, causing the material to crack. The material no longer has the same tensile strength and the component breaks.

Which materials are affected by hydrogen embrittlement?

One of the materials most often affected by hydrogen embrittlement is steel, when it has been in contact with hydrogen over time. Higher-strength steels with a yield strength greater than approx. 800 MPa, and screws in strength class 10.9 and higher, are particularly at risk from hydrogen embrittlement.

What causes hydrogen embrittlement?

– Hydrogen generation through galvanic deposition (degreasing, pickling, galvanizing, etc.)
– Welding
– Hydrogen corrosion

How can hydrogen embrittlement be prevented in these cases?

When hydrogen has penetrated the material, it is important that the component releases it again immediately. For this purpose, a heat treatment of approx. 200-300°C is applied, also known as annealing. At temperatures of up to 200°C, it is possible to expel the resulting hydrogen, as hydrogen has a high diffusion rate, even at low temperatures.

It is often important to choose the right alloy for the application!

Hydrogen sickness in copper

Hydrogen sickness is also often incorrectly referred to as hydrogen embrittlement. Hydrogen sickness occurs in copper. Cracking occurs after heat treatment and hydrogen enters the metal. The hydrogen that enters reduces the oxygen dissolved in the copper in the form of Cu2O, forming water vapor that doesn’t escape. This inevitably leads to fractures and cracks.

If you have more questions, please contact one of our experts and we’ll answer all your questions!