Hydrogen embrittlement is the process where high-strength steel, becomes brittle and crack following exposure to hydrogen that occurs during plating, phosphating, pickling, or electroplating operations. The mechanism starts with lone hydrogen atoms diffusing through the metal. Pressure can increase to levels where the metal has reduced ductility and tensile strength up to the point where it cracks open.

Tensile Testing Metallurgical Laboratory tests notch bars (1a.1 or 1a.2) in accordance with ASTM F519 that have been plated or phosphated by hanging for 200 hours or until they break. We also supply the test bars.

Other tests performed to verify hydrogen embrittlement are:

• Stress Durability on Fasteners
• Leco Hydrogen (Chemistry)