Hydrogen Embrittlement & Corrosion Resistant Coatings for Ultra High Strength Automotive Steels (HyCoat)
Important results from the project
The objective set from the beginning of HyCoat was achieved. The project aimed to develop aluminum-based PVD-coated corrosion and hydrogen embrittlement-resistant coatings for ultra-high strength steels in the automotive industry. The results showed that PVD can be used as an alternative coating method to apply Al-based coatings to ultra-high strength steels while meeting the requirements for corrosion protection and reducing the risk of hydrogen embrittlement.
Expected long term effects
The research carried out in this project is expected to promote global economic growth for steel and vehicle manufacturers in the long term, which will ensure more sustainable consumption and production of ultra-high strength steels and contribute to the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, which is the main cause of climate change.
Approach and implementation
The project progressed according to plan and no major deviations from the plan occurred. Material delivery, PVD coatings and all testing were carried out according to plan. Unexpected challenges with the adhesion of the PVD coatings arose, which limited the possibility of performing cyclic corrosion tests on deformed samples. Instead, more electrochemical tests and cyclic tests on undeformed samples were carried out.
The text has been written by the project team. The content is copied from the funding agency’s website and has not been reviewed by the Program Office.