does chrome damage fuchs wheels

[SRT356/911]

I have heard and read on this forum that chroming fuchs wheels will weaken them as a result of the heat and or chemical reaction involved in the process. More to the point would be that previously chromed fuchs wheels are weakened. I do not care for chromed wheels, and have some previously chromed and now powder coated wheels.

Specifically that the centers become brittle and will crack and break under stress.

Also that powder coating fuchs will cause the same weakening effect.

I did a forum search and could find nothing specific as to what or why.

I would think that a track car with Fuchs wheels could get pretty hot. Do not know the temps involved in all three.

There are stories abound that describe failed fuchs that have been previouly chromed. And I have seen wheels break. Trying to dfetermine if it is the chroming and dechroming that does weaken the wheel.

Any definitive metallurgy knowledge out there regarding this issue?

[dvkk]

I've heard that the damage done is called Hydrogen Embrittlement.

Am I crazy????

[SRT356/911]

dvkk

Thanks for the link. I took a look and found this response from KurtB:
"Hydrogen embrittlement is not something you should worry about if you had your Fuchs chromed. It is a negative result of processes like chrome plating that affects steel, titanium, and aluminum.

The only danger is if the process is not done correctly then hydrogen is introduced into the wheel during the plating process and gathers in certain locations (forming lines usually) which can create cracks for obvious reasons.
But baking the wheel after the plating process removes this excessive hydrogen, returning the wheel to it's initial state.

In fact, if the wheel doesn't crack in the process and is properly baked, then it will be just as strong as an unmodified wheel and also more resistant to external corrosion."

An interesting response indeed. Since the wheels were 'baked' after the sandblasting and addition of powder coat, are they now stronger than ever? That would be great news to lots o folks.

Seems the deeper Ah digs, the more confused Ah gits!!

OK, metallurgists, please add up if you see this.