Critical verification of the Kissinger theory to evaluate thermal desorption spectra

Multiple types of hydrogen trapping sites in advanced high-strength steels (AHSS) are often experimentally characterized by means thermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS). The evaluation is regularly based on the peak deconvolution procedure combined with Kissinger's theory, which provides distinctive energies at microstructural defects. However, published literature non-conclusive and from time to contradictive nature. Therefore, it utmost importance verify procedures according theory for multiple sites. For that purpose, theoretical TDS spectra were simulated using a bulk diffusion model Oriani's theory. Binding trap densities chosen providing clearly separated as well overlapping peaks. Finally, compared used models. Based this work, strongly recommended apply Kissinger only single or If peaks overlap, complementary variation characterization perquisite correctly evaluate spectra. • Verification procedure. Desorption energy fulfils Kirchheim criterium diffusion. R 2 -values do not necessarily mean trustworthy energies. requires complete comprehension metal microstructure.