HY-TOOLBOX: Development of evaluation toolbox for hydrogen embrittlement sensitivity

Purpose and goal

The main purpose and most important objective for the project was a ToolBox to support material producers, manufacturers and users in the complicated issue of hydrogen embrittlement. The project will deliver this in the form of a public open brochure where the most important aspects are described in an easy-to-understand and educational way and references to more detailed information.

Expected effects and result

It has been identified in proposal as primarily developing tools to support the design of hydrogen-resistant materials, better understanding of coatings and hydrogen retardation, introducing fracture mechanics for better testing methods and ranking and better to understanding the effect of residual stresses. This and more is what the Toolbox aims to support for and enables for high-strength steel and the Swedish steel industry and its partners to maintain and strengthen their leading market position.

Planned approach and implementation

The project was divided into three parts related to the source of hydrogen: Design impact of microstructure, Process impact of steel process & coating and Manufacturing impact of welding and weld finishing. There was also a 4th step in the value chain: Application where the operating environment and hydrogen were treated. The project was also divided into three parts Delivery & trial manufacturing, Hydrogen embrittlement & development ToolBox and Coordination and dissemination of knowledge.