Hydrogen in Titanium and other metals: Determination with dedicated Hydrogen analyzer and GD-OES

The characterization of Hydrogen in steels, metals or alloys is of great interest since Hydrogen presence affects their properties and mechanical strength. Hydrogen embrittlement is a well-known problem leading to presence of Hydrogen in metals. It is often due to accidental introduction of Hydrogen during forming and finishing operations. Optimizing processes and studying the Hydrogen absorption mechanisms can help to reduce the amount of Hydrogen diffusing in metals and to make sure that their properties are matching with expectations.

Hydrogen can be analyzed in metals and alloys at the sub ppm value using the inert gas fusion technique with Thermal Conductivity Detector. This technique is based on the fusion of the sample in a graphite crucible with a flow of inert gas. The TCD detector allows reaching the best sensitivity for Hydrogen and the specific design of the instrument allows for the identification of different phases.

Glow Discharge Optical Emission Spectrometer (GD-OES) can be used for failure analysis, diffusion mechanisms studies and also blisters and inclusions identification. It provides direct measurement of the chemical composition of materials as a function of depth and can be used for conductive or non-conductive materials. The GD-OES can characterize nanometer thin layers and go down to 150 µm deep into the sample within few minutes making it a perfect tool for the study of interfaces, diffusion processes or process optimization. GD-OES is also able to measure Deuterium that facilitates the study of Hydrogen diffusion mechanisms.

Results obtained on various samples using the inert gas fusion technique with TCD and GD-OES for the measurement of Hydrogen and Deuterium will be presented. The versatility of GD-OES will also be explained as this instrument can be used to study coatings, corrosion, to measure thickness and to perform bulk analysis.