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Hydrogen dissolved in copper alloy

In an electroplating process, we expose a high-copper alloy (85% copper) to a HCl bath. A subsequent process is sensitive to any dissolved hydrogen released from the copper alloy. Up until recently, we have plated copper alloys (CDA 18200) without incident. In the last two lots, we have had significant re-work due to dissolved hydrogen. We suspect a change (subtle?) in the copper alloy.

What alloying elements would effect the dissolved hydrogen content of copper alloys? Or, which elements would result in a sharp increase in hydrogen release during a subsequent heating process?

Lyle Branagan
Pioneer Motor Bearing Company - Kings Mountain, North Carolina

I experienced sever problem with Phosphor bronze. A fraction of a percent Phosphorus caused lots of hydrogen embrittlement. I got around using asymmetric a.C. for plating.

Yashawant V.Deval
electroplating shop - Pune, Maharashtra, India

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