Chroming and Hydrogen Embrittlement

[jbender-zanoni@xxxxxxxx]

I agree with Mr. Reid on this mechanism based on my experience as an
aerospace engineer. The standard remedy is a 3 hour bake at something
like 300 degrees F. Others argue for a longer bake, even 9 hours. The
problem mostly occurs with high strength steels. There is another remedy
since the hydrogen leaves in a diffusion process. Just wait about a year
at room temperature. Keep in mind that other processes than chroming,
i.e. acidic solutions coming in contact with high strength steels,
especially at elevated temperatures, can cause hydrogen embrittlement. 
The steel can be thought of as a hydrogen sponge, diffusing it in or out
depending on the level of available hydrogen at the surface and the
temperature. 

Joe Bender-Zanoni
92 164L

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