This paper describes studies on hydrogen uptake under sliding contact. Sliding tests were conducted with 52100 steel and 440C stainless steel in hydrogen and in vacuum, with and without a lubricant. Hydrogen dissolved in the specimens after sliding were analyzed with thermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS). Hydrogen content increased by sliding, suggesting that dissociation of hydrogen and the oil occurred by the catalytic action at sliding surfaces. The TDS spectrum indicated that the hydrogen dissolved was diffusible hydrogen. It was also found that hydrogen uptake appeared to decrease after the early stage of sliding. Another series of tests were made with heat-treated steel specimens. It was shown that TDS spectrum changed with annealing, which suggested that the hydrogen originally contained the steels was eliminated and trap sites for hydrogen changed. The decomposition of hydrogen and lubricant molecules, and the effect of oxide films at the surfaces on hydrogen uptake are discussed.

MITC2015-pp 284-285