Hydrogen-Induced Cracking

Atomic hydrogen is the smallest element in the periodic table of elements, yet its effects on metals can be catastrophic. Its detrimental effects on iron were first remarked upon in 1875 by W.H. Johnson in a paper titled, ‘On some remarkable Changes produced in Iron and Steel by the Action of Hydrogen and acids’.

The term Hydrogen Embrittlement (HE) can be considered an umbrella term covering a multitude of mechanisms or outcomes relating to the degradation or failure of materials. This white paper focuses on the form of HE referred to as Hydrogen Induced Cracking (HIC).