The influence of hydrogen on the mechanical properties of generic lab-cast Fe–C bainitic alloys is studied by tensile tests on notched samples. The bainitic microstructure is induced in a 0.2% C and 0.4% C Fe–C alloy by an appropriate heat treatment. The hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility is evaluated by mechanical tests on both in situ hydrogen pre-charged and uncharged specimens. The observed ductility loss of the materials is correlated with the present amount of hydrogen and the hydrogen diffusion coefficient. In addition to the correlation between the amount of hydrogen and the hydrogen-induced ductility loss, the hydrogen diffusion during the tensile test, quantified by the hydrogen diffusion distance during the test, appears to be of major importance as well.
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