ADVANCED MATERIALS & PROCESSES | OCTOBER 2024 1 7 and various ions, present in the surrounding environment. The corrosion process leads to the conversion of the iron into corrosion products (rust). This results in degradation of the material, which can compromise the structural integrity of the cast-iron pipe over time. A summary of the inspection of selected cast-iron pipe sections exposed to the atmospheric conditions follows: • Visual inspection: Corrosion products of iron and graphitized layers. • Potential measurement: Positive potential readings indicating graphitization. • Magnetic flux measurements: Low flux numbers indicating graphitization. • FMR: Graphitization was clearly observed. • Hardness measurements: Graphitized areas had lower Vickers hardness numbers. SUMMARY In conclusion, the Zee Probe graphitization detection sensor represents a significant leap forward in the management and maintenance of water infrastructure. Its technological advancements and proactive approach to maintenance offer substantial benefits, including enhanced public health and safety, economic stability, resource conservation, and ecological preservation. By shifting the maintenance paradigm from reactive to preventive, the probe not only improves the reliability and longevity of water distribution systems but also fosters a more sustainable and resilient infrastructure for the future. ~AM&P For more information: Mehrooz Zamanzadeh (Dr. Zee), technical director, Matergenics Inc., 100 Business Center Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15205, 412.788.1263, zee@matergenics.com. HYDROGEN EMBRITTLEMENT AND SENTRY SENSOR Michael McGuire, Mehrooz Zamanzadeh, FASM, Anil Kumar Chikkam, and Farzan Zolfaghari Matergenics Inc. Hydrogen embrittlement (HE) is a mechanical degradation phenomenon that affects metals, particularly high-strength steels and other alloy materials. It occurs when hydrogen atoms are absorbed into the metal, leading to a reduction in the ductility and toughness of the material. This absorption can cause the material to become brittle and susceptible to cracking under stress, even if the stress is below the yield strength of the material. Hydrogen embrittlement is a critical concern in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and construction, where material integrity is paramount. Based on a breakthrough in hydrogen embrittlement theory, Matergenics has developed a sensor that measures hydrogen in a steel in real time and transmits the data wirelessly. The sensor also allows for warning levels to be set before a critical combination of hydrogen content and stress intensity is reached, generally in the 100 to 200 wppm level for crack tip regions. Traditionally, total hydrogen is only measured destructively, by collecting the gas in a heated sample. Even this method is too gross to sense hydrogen concentration in critical regions, such as local stress concentrations. Measuring it at a specific site is itself a breakthrough, and with Matergenics monitoring the output, incipient hydrogen cracking can be alarmed in time to take preventive action. The new sensor was designed with traditional areas of hydrogen embrittlement in mind: storage vessels, gas transmission lines, and any structure with cathodic protection. Now, the advent of hydrogen as the clean fuel of the future opens up a new range of needs to monitor hydrogen and prevent its damage. Matergenics plans to have prototypes in the United States and Italy later this year, while it works with partners in key industries. Sentry sensor. ENGINEERING MATERIALS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Dr. Mehrooz Zamanzadeh, FASM, Mr. Anil Kumar Chikkam, Ms. Carolyn Tome, Mr. Nathan Pace, Mr. Chris Desmond, Mr. Farzan Zolfaghari, and Dr. Peyman Taheri, from Matergenics Materials and Energy Solutions, Pittsburgh, received the 2024 Engineering Materials Achievement Award (EMAA) from ASM International for one of their patented sensors. Specifically, the team was recognized for their “Advanced Sensor for Real-Time Monitoring of Temperature and Corrosion, Capable of Withstanding 2000°F and Delivering Essential Data Before, During, and Following Exposure to Wildfires.” Established in 1969, the EMAA recognizes an outstanding achievement in materials or materials systems relating to the application of knowledge of materials to an engineering structure or to the design and manufacture of a product.
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