Hydrogenation method based on electrodeposited layers controlling the hydrogen desorption rate

•A hydrogenation method of steel samples using electrodeposited layers is proposed.•Electroplated nickel favors the outgassing of hydrogen.•Electroplated copper impedes the outgassing of hydrogen.•The method is suitable for subsequent mechanical tests at low temperatures.

An innovative hydrogenation method to investigate the hydrogen embrittlement of metals and alloys is hereby presented. The benefits of electroplating samples with copper and nickel prior to gaseous hydrogenation at mid-range temperatures are quantified. It is showed that these electrodeposited layers allow to control the hydrogen desorption rate occurring after hydrogenation, during the cooling of the hydrogenated specimen. The present study demonstrates the capability of the method to control the introduced total hydrogen concentration within a margin of 0.2 wt.ppm. The applicability of the described method to further investigations into hydrogen concentrations effects on hydrogen embrittlement of ferritic alloys by the means of mechanical tests is evaluated.