Official Answer
Answer
Hydrogen embrittlement (HE) occurs when atomic hydrogen diffuses into the high-strength carbon steel during the acid cleaning or electroplating process. When the ring is stressed (e.g., installed in a groove), the hydrogen migrates to stress concentrations and causes a brittle fracture, often hours or days after installation. This is 'delayed brittle failure.' To prevent this, all carbon steel rings with a hardness above 35 HRC must be baked at $375-400^{\circ}F$ within 4 hours of plating to drive out the hydrogen. Failure to do so in automotive steering or braking systems can lead to sudden, catastrophic loss of component retention.
