Hydrogen Embrittlement (HE) Testing for Material’s Performance

Hydrogen embrittlement (HE) testing by Infinita Lab examines a material’s ductility after being subjected to tensile stress due to the absorption of hydrogen and so provides insight into the material’s performance in a corrosive environment. The ASTM F519 standard allows for testing in numerous sectors, such as the energy, aerospace, and automotive industries. 

When metals absorb hydrogen, as in plating or corrosion in service, the outcome is a condition known as hydrogen embrittlement. Because of this, the metal becomes brittle and unable to withstand static stresses, breaking down quickly.

Hydrogen Embrittlement (HE) Can Occur in Two Forms

Hydrogen embrittlement (HE) happens on the inside of a metal as it is being formed, coated, plated, cleaned, or finished.

Hydrogen uptake from the environment causes environmental HE. 

Test Protocol for ASTM F519 

Infinita Lab conducts ASTM F519 compliant mechanical HE testing. The potential for hydrogen embrittlement in steel can be measured by Sustained Load Testing (SLT) by subjecting the material to uniaxial tension for up to 200 hours, as outlined in the test standard. 

The evaluation of surface preparation, pretreatments, and plating/coating processes for steel parts is also outlined in ASTM F519.  

Hydrogen Stress Cracking Caused by Electromotive Force is known as GHSC. 

A metal’s ductility and resistance to cracking under tensile stress (applied and/or residual) may decrease and its susceptibility to cracking may rise if hydrogen (introduced by corrosion) is present. In order to determine how long corrosion-resistant metals and products will last when galvanically linked as the cathode to another metal (carbon steel), Ifinita lab conducts GHSC testing. The NACE MR0175/ISO 15156 standards are used for our testing procedures. 

 Many Corrosion Resistant Alloys (CRAs) have failed due to Hydrogen Induced Stress Cracking (HISC) in subsea oil and gas production equipment. Nickel alloys and duplex stainless steels, both of which are commonly used in subsea components, can be HISC tested in our hydrogen embrittlement testing facilities to learn more about the effects of hydrogen on materials’ responses to mechanical stress. 

Read more: ASTM F326 Electronic Measurement for Hydrogen Embrittlement

The benefit of Hydrogen Embrittlement

Coating and plating operations can lead to HE in steels; thus, we recreate service conditions to conduct HE testing on the metals. Hydrogen-related damage assessment presents unique difficulties, but our extensive expertise in corrosion testing and years of experience have prepared us to meet those obstacles. 

Video 01: Understanding Hydrogen Embrittlement: