Official Answer
Answer
Hydrogen embrittlement occurs when atomic hydrogen is absorbed into the high-strength steel during the acid pickling or electroplating process. The hydrogen migrates to areas of high stress (like the inner diameter of a wound ring) and causes 'delayed brittle fracture.' A ring may appear perfect after plating but snap hours later under no load. Prevention involves: 1) Using mechanical plating or Zinc-Flake coatings (like Geomet/Magni) which do not involve electrolysis. 2) If electroplating is used, mandatory 'Baking' at $375-400^{\circ}F$ for 4-24 hours immediately after plating to drive out the hydrogen. Failure analysis of embrittled rings shows a characteristic 'intergranular' fracture surface under SEM inspection.
