Causes of Hydrogen Embrittlement in Electroplating
Author:Robby
The generation of hydrogen embrittlement in the electroplating process is mainly due to the dissolution and diffusion of hydrogen in the plating solution, as well as the aggregation and precipitation within the metal. Specifically, the causes of hydrogen embrittlement can be summarized as follows:
Dissolution and diffusion of hydrogen: During the electroplating process, hydrogen is dissolved in the plating solution and diffuses to the metal surface through electrochemical action. These hydrogen atoms penetrate into the metal, especially at the lattice defects of the metal, such as dislocations and grain boundaries, to form hydrogen molecules.
Stress Concentration: When hydrogen molecules accumulate inside the metal, it leads to stress concentration and the formation of tiny cracks or voids. These cracks will expand further under high stress, eventually leading to brittle fracture of the metal.
Material properties: Different materials have different resistance to hydrogen embrittlement. Some materials are more sensitive to the absorption and diffusion of hydrogen and are therefore more prone to hydrogen embrittlement under the same plating conditions.
Environmental factors: environmental hydrogen embrittlement refers to the material itself contains hydrogen is very low, but in the hydrogen atmosphere or in other hydrogen-containing medium used, so that hydrogen atoms continue to penetrate, resulting in brittle fracture.
In order to reduce or avoid the occurrence of hydrogen embrittlement, the following measures can be taken:
Control of plating process parameters: Reduce the generation and diffusion of hydrogen by optimizing plating process parameters, such as current density and plating time.
Adopting low-hydrogen or non-hydrogen plating process: Use some special plating baths or improve the process to reduce the generation of hydrogen.
Post-treatment: Remove hydrogen inside the metal by heat treatment or other methods after plating is completed.
Material selection: Select materials with better hydrogen embrittlement resistance for plating.
Through the above measures, the probability of hydrogen embrittlement can be effectively reduced and the quality and reliability of plated products can be improved.