What is Hydrogen Embrittlement and What Can Be Done To Prevent It?

Having played an acknowledged role in the 2011 Fukushima disaster, it has long been understood that hydrogen penetration can accelerate the deterioration of structural materials. In this video, BAPTISTE GAULT analyzes this process of hydrogen embrittlement and puts forward ideas as to how it can be combated. Focusing on steel in the first instance, Gault employs atom probe tomography to pin down the scale and location of hydrogen penetration. Suggesting that hydrogen’s potential to do damage is related to its atoms’ ability to roam, Gault proposes that particles be introduced to trap them/restrict their movement. The research has undoubted potential application beyond steel, in titanium and nickel alloys as well in the broader realm of hydrogen fuel.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21036/LTPUB10846

Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung

Novel alloys for automotive lightweight design and airplane turbines, materials for sustainable energy conversion and storage, and the development of big data and machine learning methods – these are just a few examples of the research areas that are being investigated by the scientists of the Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung. The team of engineers, material scientists, physicists, and chemists develops tailored materials and methods for mobility, energy, infrastructure, and information. To this end, the researchers study complex materials with atomic precision under real environmental conditions.