Diffusion of Hydrogen in Steel by Electron Irradiation

Abstract

The results of the study on hydrogen diffusion through the metal membranes in the process of electrolytic hydrogenation and electron irradiation (energy of 40 keV , the current density is from 3 to 30 mA ) have been presented. It has been established that hydrogen release time from the membrane is determined by the parameters of the electron beam and its duration, and depends on the structure and the phase state of the metal membrane. The analysis of the hydrogen release time was done on a mass spectrometer connected to a vacuum chamber containing an electron gun and an electrolytic cell. The hydrogen diffusion coefficients when exposed to an electron beam were 2-3 times higher than under the same conditions without the electron beam irradiation. The results can be used in the technology of manufacturing of new materials with desired properties.