Meet H2FUTURE postdoctoral researcher Abdelrahman Hussein: “By pushing the boundaries of knowledge in hydrogen embrittlement, we are solving an age-old mystery”

Postdoctoral researcher Abdelrahman Hussein is a computational materials scientist, whose academic journey has taken him from his home country Egypt to South Korea, where he earned his PhD, followed by postdoctoral research in the Netherlands and Belgium, before finally arriving in Finland. He is working in the research group of tenure-track Assistant Professor Vahid Javaheri within H2FUTURE research programme.

"I specialize in modeling materials at the microscale. Imagine being able to design and test materials entirely on a computer before they’re even made in the lab—fascinating, right? Though making this happen you need to have knowledge in three fields, or as I like to call it, speak three languages: Materials Science, Solid Mechanics and C++,” he explains.

Hussein´s experience includes finite element simulations and developing new theoretical frameworks to better understand hydrogen transport in metals. When asked what led him to join the H2FUTURE project and the University of Oulu, Hussein describes it as a perfect match.

"It felt like we complement each other perfectly: I’m developing a new framework to model hydrogen-material interactions at the microscale, and the University of Oulu’s MME group is renowned for its state-of-the-art alloy design and material characterization. By combining experiments and modeling, we can tackle the challenge of hydrogen embrittlement from all angles," he says.

Hussein developed PHIMATS, an innovative computational tool to uncover the mechanisms of hydrogen embrittlement

Hussein’s main focus in the H2FUTURE project is understanding hydrogen embrittlement, a critical issue where hydrogen moves inside metals, weakens them, and leads to cracks. This problem has persisted for decades because hydrogen is incredibly difficult to measure inside metals. It is the smallest atom, moves extremely fast, and interacts with microstructural defects in ways that are not yet fully understood.

“One powerful approach to solve the problem is simulating these interactions on a computer. However, the challenge is that existing models are outdated - they were developed in the 60s and 70s and only work on a macroscale, failing to capture the underlying physics at the microstructure level,” Hussein describes.

To overcome this, Hussein developed a new modeling framework and implemented it in PHIMATS—a fully open-source computational tool designed to simulate hydrogen-metal interactions at the microstructural scale. PHIMATS was a breakthrough. The results Hussein describes being shocking and even counterintuitive.

“When the simulations were visualized, we saw behavior that challenged long-held assumptions. With PHIMATS, we are not just explaining hydrogen embrittlement—we are fundamentally changing how we understand it.”

Before the breakthrough, Hussein had been actively working on modeling hydrogen-material interactions at the microscale since late 2020. This included a two-year Marie-Curie Seal of Excellence fellowship at Ghent University for his project H2BRITTLE, where he developed the foundations of his theoretical framework.

“By uncovering the real mechanisms behind hydrogen embrittlement, we are paving the way for the development of hydrogen-compatible materials and more resistant metals, making future infrastructure and technologies more reliable and durable.”

Hussein is also incorporating the mechanical effects of stress on hydrogen behavior at the microscale, with the ultimate goal of designing hydrogen-resistant microstructures.

Hydrogen has also a deeper, personal meaning beyond science

During his postdoctoral position with H2FUTURE, Hussein hopes to expand his expertise in multiscale modeling and AI-driven materials design. He also aims to collaborate more closely with experimentalists and industry to ensure his research translates into real-world applications.

"By the end of my postdoc, I want to establish my framework as a reliable tool for designing embrittlement-resistant materials and growing into a well-rounded scientist " he says.

Outside of his research, Hussein enjoys cooking and taking night walks in Oulu to enjoy the stunning starry skies.

"When I’m not working on hydrogen interactions, you’ll find me in the kitchen, cooking up new dishes! I also love taking night walks in Oulu to enjoy the stunning starry skies—though only when it’s not too cold!"

Beyond the science, hydrogen has a deeper, more personal meaning to Hussein.

“It is the building block of all matter in the universe—including us. As Carl Sagan said, We are made of star stuff. When you look at a star, you are looking at the same fundamental element that forms our very existence—hydrogen. Isn’t that incredible?”

Excited to provide a new perspective on the age-old mystery as we reach a turning point towards a more sustainable future

Hussein is driven by the scientific challenge and the opportunity to push the boundaries of knowledge.

"Hydrogen embrittlement is an age-old mystery, and I am excited to provide a completely new perspective on the issue by focusing on microscale interactions. This work will enable the design of materials that can handle hydrogen exposure, paving the way for a hydrogen-powered future," he shares.

The idea of a hydrogen economy has been around since the oil crisis of the 1970s, yet the progress has been slow.

“It’s not just about developing a new fuel—it requires a total transformation of supply chains, infrastructure, and disruptive technologies.”

Hussein thinks that today we are at a similar turning point, but with a crucial difference: there is now a stronger political and societal will to make it happen.

“Across Europe and beyond, we see rapid advancements in hydrogen production, storage, and utilization. This is a wake-up call.”

Hussein sees hydrogen as a key pathway for Europe to reinforce its role as a global leader in technology and innovation.

“So, keep pushing, Europe! I believe that the work we do today will not only advance science—it will shape a cleaner, more sustainable world for future generations,” he concludes.