II. On some remarkable changes produced in iron and steel by the action of hydrogen and acids

Abstract

Some three years ago my attention was called to a remarkable change in some of the physical properties of iron caused by its temporary immersion in hydrochloric and sulphuric acids. This change is at once made evident to any one by the extraordinary .decrease in toughness and breaking-strain of the iron so treated, and is all the more remarkable as it is not permanent, but only temporary in character, for with lapse of time the metal slowly regains its original toughness and strength. With a view of ascertaining the cause and degree of this change, I have from time to time made a number of experiments, some of which were carried out on a large scale in an iron-works where quantities of sulphuric and hydrochloric acids are used to remove the coating of oxide from iron wire, preparatory to drawing it.