Understanding how to protect materials against hydrogen attack is paramount to extending component lifetimes and reducing plant downtime. The materials selection process can sometimes become complex; usually involving multiple factors such as high strength requirements, operating temperature, high corrosion resistance, availability and cost. Hydrogen is used for numerous chemical processes, for example for the synthesis of ammonia and methanol as well as in hydrogenation processes such as for the production of gasoline or for fat hardening. In various metal extraction processes hydrogen is used as a reducing agent and is also used as a shielding gas for welding and metallurgical processes.

The present handbook compiles new and updated information on the corrosion behavior of materials that are in contact with hydrogen or environments containing this gas. This compilation is an indispensable tool for all engineers and scientists dealing with corrosion problems in hydrogen containing environments of any industrial use.