Letter 14051

Effects of Hydrogen Embrittlement  

 

Does diffused nickel-cadmium plating in accordance with AMS2416 cause hydrogen embrittlement on high strength alloy steels, or have any deleterious effect?

Joe Mercurio
- Orlando, Florida

 

Both nickel plating and cad plating cause hydrogen embrittlement. So do any acid treatments and cathodic cleaning steps. But the baking for diffusion, if done in timely fashion, should solve the problem. As to other deleterious effects, you should look up cadmium embrittlement and see if it's applicable to your situation.

 
Ted Mooney, P.E.
finishing.com Inc. - Brick, NJ

 

Joe, the diffusion treatment of 630F for at least 30 minutes (per paragraph 3.2.4 of AMS 2416) will serve as an extensive bake, so the traditional hydrogen embrittlement concerns of electroplating are relieved. I would second Ted's suggestion that you investigate any other possibilities for embrittlement- such as contact with titanium.

Lee Gearhart
metallurgist
East Aurora, NY

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