väteförspridning

Väteförspridning, also known as hydrogen diffusion, refers to the process by which hydrogen atoms move through a material. This phenomenon is particularly relevant in metallurgy and materials science, especially concerning steels and other alloys. Hydrogen can be introduced into metals during various stages, including manufacturing processes like electroplating, welding, and pickling, or through environmental exposure.

Once inside the metal, hydrogen atoms are highly mobile, especially at elevated temperatures. They can diffuse through the metal lattice, moving from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration. This diffusion can lead to significant detrimental effects, collectively termed hydrogen embrittlement. Hydrogen atoms tend to accumulate at internal defects, grain boundaries, and interfaces within the material.

The presence of hydrogen can drastically reduce the ductility and toughness of metals, making them more susceptible to fracture, particularly under tensile stress. This can manifest as delayed hydrogen cracking, where a component fails some time after being placed under load. The rate of diffusion and the severity of embrittlement depend on factors such as the type of metal, its microstructure, temperature, hydrogen concentration, and applied stress. Understanding and mitigating väteförspridning is crucial for ensuring the structural integrity and safety of many metallic components.