Effect of Surface Treatment on Hydrogen Embrittlement of 6061-T6 Aluminum Alloy

Abstract

Effects of various surface treatments on hydrogen embrittlement of 6061-T6 aluminum alloy were investigated. Rotary bending fatigue tests showed that electroless Ni-P plating on 6061-T6 reduced the fatigue strength considerably because of hydrogen absorbed into the substrate by plating. These findings suggest the possibility of evaluating hydrogen embrittlement of 6061-T6 by conducting rotary bending fatigue tests after electroless Ni-P plating.