Hydrogen Embrittlement

Hydrogen embrittlement is a condition that can affect many metals and especially high strength steel. Hydrogen embrittlement occurs at the subatomic level when the H2 particles diffuse through the metal. This can cause the metal to become brittle and crack over time.

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		Hydrogen Embrittlement

To date, there have been few reports of hydrogen embrittlement issues with cars that run on HHO gas or hydrogen fuel injection systems. Over time, as many miles are put upon a vehicle and more HHO gas or pure hydrogen are pumped into the cylinders and past metal fittings this could be an issue on some vehicles.

There has been some discussion that the use of ceramic additives or lubricants may help keep hydrogen embrittlement at bay. To date, however, the jury is still out on whether this type of lubricant will extend the wear on an engine and prevent hydrogen embrittelment from occurring.

In the 1980s a Japanese manufacturer developed a ceramic engine that was said to have run at higher temperatures (around 6,000 F) than most internal combustion engines. This technology has made its way into ceramic-based lubricants that are commonly used in the trucking industry on diesel engines that use hydrogen generators to improve mileage and decrease emissions.

Because the use of hydrogen generators is such a new and emerging field, the effects of hydrogen embrittlement (if any) may not be known for many years to come.