Abstract: Disclosed is a method for detecting hydrogen in steel. According to the method, hydrogen contained in steel is transferred into and preferably concentrated in at least one second material. Representative second materials include metals such as vanadium, niobium, tantalum, and their alloys. Upon transfer to the second material, the hydrogen is detected and preferably quantitatively determined. The data obtained with the method enables conclusions to be drawn about the presence of hydrogen in steel. Preferably, the concentration of hydrogen in steel is quantitatively determined from information obtained about the presence of hydrogen in the second material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for detecting impurities, especially gases in a first material, particularly metallic materials. According to said method, the impurities contained in the first material are transferred into at least one second material, said impurities preferably being concentrated in the second material. The impurities are then detected, preferably quantitatively determined, in the second material. The data obtained in said manner makes it possible to draw conclusions about the presence of the impurities in the first material. Preferably, the concentration of the impurities in the first material is quantitatively determined in an arithmetic fashion.

Abstract: In a method of determining the adhesion properties of at least two materials to one another at least one material is charged with an absorbate and a critical parameter is determined at which the materials undergo at least partial, in particular substantially complete, detachment from one another. Films/coatings on substrates are investigated with preference. By evaluating the results it is possible, for example, to give a quantitative determination of adhesion energies. This allows predictions about the adhesion of different materials to/on one another.