One drawback associated to Ultra High Strength Steels (UHSS) coated components is the risk of hydrogen embrittlement (HE) and delayed hydrogen fracture of the part. This problem has been tackled by developing LHE (Low HE) processes and by applying a degassing stage. The standard degassing process is applied equally to the components regardless UHSS or coating composition/morphology. However, it is known that the nature and structure of both the base material and the coating have a great influence in the hydrogen intake and degassing efficiency. Thus, there is much room for improvement if a better understanding of the underlying phenomena of electrochemically deposited corrosion protection layers of UHSS parts on hydrogen degassing is achieved.

As there are no experimental techniques to measure hydrogen content or HE in a specific part of a real component at an industrial environment, modelling and simulation approaches, developed with a strong experimental base, are expected to provide the keys to process improvement.