Element’s Hydrogen Embrittlement (HE) testing determines the performance of materials in a corrosive environment under the influence of the tensile stress by evaluating the material’s ductility as a result of hydrogen absorption. The tests may be carried out according to ASTM F519 standard for many industries including Energy, Aerospace and Automotive.
Hydrogen embrittlement occurs when metals are subjected to hydrogen uptake during plating processes or as a result of corrosion in the service environment. This causes the metal to lose ductility and toughness and become brittle, resulting in premature failure under static loads.
There are two types of Hydrogen Embrittlement (HE):
- Internal HE - which occurs when the hydrogen enters metal during forming, coating, plating, cleaning, and finishing operations
- Environmental HE - resulting from hydrogen being absorbed from the environment.
ASTM F519 test method
Element performs mechanical hydrogen embrittlement testing according to ASTM F519. The test specification outlines the use of Sustained Load Testing (SLT) to measure the possibility of hydrogen embrittlement in steel materials by applying uniaxial tension for up to 200 hours.
Additionally, ASTM F519 provides guidance for evaluating the processes of surface preparation, pretreatments, and the plating/coating of steel parts.
Galvanically Induced Hydrogen Stress Cracking (GHSC)
The presence of hydrogen (introduced via corrosion) in a metal may result in reduced ductility and increased susceptibility to cracking in the presence of tensile stress (applied and /or residual). Element’s GHSC testing helps evaluate the hydrogen embrittlement sustainability of the corrosion resistant products and metal materials, when galvanically coupled, as the cathode, to another metal (carbon steel). We perform testing in accordance to NACE MR0175/ISO 15156.
Hydrogen Induced Stress Cracking (HISC)
Subsea Oil & Gas production equipment is exposed to severe conditions which have led to a number of failures of Corrosion Resistant Alloys (CRAs). Our hydrogen embrittlement testing labs can carry out HISC testing of nickel alloys and duplex stainless steels, widely used in subsea components, to investigate how hydrogen influences materials’ behavior under mechanical stress.
The Element advantage
We perform HE testing for coating and plating processes that can cause hydrogen embrittlement in steels, and on the metals in simulated service environments. Our deep knowledge of corrosion testing and years of experience means that we know the challenges of assessing hydrogen-related damage in many industries.
For more information about how we perform Hydrogen Embrittlement (HE) Testing, or to request a quote, contact us today.
FAQ: What is Hydrogen Embrittlement?
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As a recognized world- leader in the provision of corrosion testing services, Element performs a number of testing services related to hydrogen embrittlement.

Hydrogen Induced Cracking (HIC) Testing
Element’s HIC tests evaluate material susceptibility to hydrogen induced cracking in a sour environment in accordance with NACE TM0284.

Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) Testing
Element’s Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) testing evaluates the susceptibility of metals to cracking failure under tensile stress and corrosion.

Slow Strain Rate Testing (SSRT)
Element’s Slow Strain Rate Testing (SSRT) uses Rippled SSRT methods to ensure the safety and reliability of metals.

Sour Service Corrosion Testing
Find out about Element's sour service corrosion testing services for evaluating how equipment and materials will hold up in environments rich in hydrogen sulfide and other caustic gases.