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Hydrogen Embrittlement
A critical phenomenon where certain metals, especially high-strength steels used in fasteners, lose their ductility and become brittle due to the absorption of atomic hydrogen. This hydrogen can be introduced during manufacturing processes such as electroplating or acid pickling, or from environmental exposure like corrosion. The absorbed hydrogen migrates within the material, accumulating at stress points and internal defects. Under sustained or residual stress, this leads to the sudden, often delayed, and frequently catastrophic fracture of the fastener, even at loads well below its design strength. Post-plating baking is a common mitigation strategy to reduce this risk.
Article: How to Avoid Hydrogen Embrittlement for Zinc Plated Fasteners