HYDROGEN EMBRITTLEMENT
In the case of surface treatment of steel products with a hardness aboce 300 HV or a tensile strength exceeding 1000 N / MM2, there is a risk of hydrogen entering the steel.
HOW TO AVOID HYDROGEN EMBRITTLEMENT
The risk of hydrogen embrittlement can be minimized by heat-treating the items at a temperature of 180-220oC for 8-12 hours, depending on the quality of the steel. This combustion must be done immediately after the surface treatment.
It should be emphasized that heat treatment after surface treatment does not eliminate the risk of hydrogen embrittlement. For quality classes above 10.9 all surface treatments which can cause hydrogen embrittlement are to be avoided, especially zinc plating.
