Influence of hydrogen on metals

Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials IWM

© Fraunhofer IWM
Fracture surface resulting from hydrogen induced brittle fracture in the heat affected zone of a steel component.

Hydrogen has a deleterious effect on the durability of many metals commonly used in service. This effect, usually referred to as Hydrogen Embrittlement (HE), may occur in the presence of gaseous hydrogen or low-pH aqueous environments, or as a result of an electrochemical process such as plating or corrosion. HE is an important consideration in the selection of materials for components in many applications. It is particularly relevant in the transportation and energy sectors, where hydrogen is becoming increasingly viable as a widespread replacement for fossil fuels. The development of new infrastructure and technology for the generation, distribution and consumption of hydrogen in these sectors introduces new challenges for materials selection and an urgent need for the creation of new alloys with higher durability.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials IWM has the facilities and expertise to investigate HE phenomena. Our staff have years of research experience in the mechanisms of HE and the interactions between hydrogen and specific microstructural features, and our hydrogen laboratory features modern equipment for measuring the key parameters pertaining to the presence of hydrogen in metals.

Combined with other facilities in our institute and our years of experience in microstructural characterisation, simulation and mechanical testing of metallic materials, our capabilities can provide your company with the tools necessary to meet the materials challenges of the hydrogen economy.

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Tensile testing equipment with in-situ cathodic hydrogen charging capability.
Hydrogen desorption curves for two different materials showing peaks corresponding to diffusible hydrogen and various trap sites.

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