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Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey
Why did the springs become brittle?
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Rust removal through electrolysis is subject to hydrogen embrittlement:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrogen_embrittlement
Hydrogen evolved from the water through the electrolytic process can fuze with the object and induce cracking. Low-alloy, medium/high carbon steels like spring steels are apparently very susceptible to this.
Reversing the hydrogen absorption is done through heating.
There's never any quick solution I guess.
Emanuel