Exploring Hydrogen Embrittlement: Mechanisms, Consequences, and Advances in Metal Science

Hydrogen embrittlement (HE) remains a pressing issue in materials science and engineering, given its significant impact on the structural integrity of metals and alloys. This exhaustive review aims to thoroughly examine HE, covering a range of aspects that collectively enhance our understanding of this intricate phenomenon. It proceeds to investigate the varied effects of hydrogen on metals, illustrating its ability to profoundly alter mechanical properties, thereby increasing vulnerability to fractures and failures. A crucial section of the review delves into how different metals and their alloys exhibit unique responses to hydrogen exposure, shedding light on their distinct behaviors. This knowledge is essential for customizing materials to specific applications and ensuring structural dependability. Additionally, the paper explores a diverse array of models and classifications of HE, offering a structured framework for comprehending its complexities. These models play a crucial role in forecasting, preventing, and mitigating HE across various domains, ranging from industrial settings to critical infrastructure.