Corrosion, hydrogen embrittlement

SCHEMEL J.H. New heat treatment cuts Zlrcaloy-2 corrosion, hydrogen embrittlement. Nucleonics, I963, 21(11 ), 70. 

Gibala R and Hehemann R F (eds) 1984 Hydrogen Embrittlement and Stress Corrosion Craoking (Metals Park, OH American Soceity of Metals)... 

An interesting field of application is the protection of tantalum against hydrogen embrittlement by electrical connection to platinum metals. The reduction in hydrogen overvoltage and the shift of the free corrosion potential to more positive values apparently leads to a reduced coverage by adsorbed hydrogen and thereby lower absorption [43] (see Sections 2.1 and 2.3.4). 

Hi.S may cause hydrogen embrittlement in certain metals. Figures 7-1 and 7 -2 show the H2S concentration at which the National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE) recommends special metallurgy to guard against H9S corrosion. 

Acids are substances that increase the hydrogen ion (H ) concentration of the solution they are dissolved in. This, in turn, reduces the pH of the solution, and the corrosion rate increases. Acids may also attack the metal by dissolving the protective film on the metal surface, Presence of acid aggravates the oxygen-influenced attack and also hydrogen sulfide-promoted hydrogen embrittlement [203]. 

Stress Corrosion Cracking and Hydrogen Embrittlement of Iron Base Alloys, NACE, Houston, Texas, (1975)... 

Edwards, B. J., Louthan, M. R. and Sisson, R. D., Hydrogen Embrittlement of Zimaloy A Cobalt-Chromium-Molybdenum Orthopaedic Implant Alloy , in Corrosion and Degradation of Implant Materials, Second Symposium, (Eds) A. C. Fraker and C. D. Griffin, 11-29 ASTM Publication STP 859, Philadelphia (1985)... 

There has been some controversy as to whether s.c.c. occurs by active path corrosion or by hydrogen embrittlement. Lack of space does not permit a full treatment of this subject here. References 14 and 15 are recent reviews on the s.c.c. of high strength steels and deal with the mechanism of cracking (see also Section 8.4). It is appropriate to discuss briefly some of the latest work which appears to provide pertinent information on the cracking mechanism. It should be noted, however, that cracking in all alloy systems may not be by the same mechanism, and that evidence from one alloy system need not constitute valid support for the same cracking mechanism in another. 

This aspect and the general stress corrosion and hydrogen embrittlement behaviour are considered in detail in Reference 37. 

It is somewhat less corrosion resistant than tantalum, and like tantalum suffers from hydrogen embrittlement if it is made cathodic by a galvanic couple or an external e.m.f., or is exposed to hot hydrogen gas. The metal anodises in acid electrolytes to form an anodic oxide film which has a high dielectric constant, and a high anodic breakdown potential. This latter property coupled with good electrical conductivity has led to the use of niobium as a substrate for platinum-group metals in impressed-current cathodic-protection anodes. 

Niobium like tantalum relies for its corrosion resistance on a highly adherent passive oxide film it is however not as resistant as tantalum in the more aggressive media. In no case reported in the literature is niobium inert to corrosives that attack tantalum. Niobium has not therefore been used extensively for corrosion resistant applications and little information is available on its performance in service conditions. It is more susceptible than tantalum to embrittlement by hydrogen and to corrosion by many aqueous corrodants. Although it is possible to prevent hydrogen embrittlement of niobium under some conditions by contacting it with platinum the method does not seem to be broadly effective. Niobium is attacked at room temperature by hydrofluoric acid and at 100°C by concentrated hydrochloric, sulphuric and phosphoric acids. It is embrittled by sodium hydroxide presumably as the result of hydrogen absorption and it is not suited for use with sodium sulphide. 

There are also occasions, particularly in hydrogen-containing atmospheres, when surface contamination of the titanium with iron can result in localised corrosion and embrittlement. This effect can be countered by avoidance of undue contamination with iron during fabrication, by postfabrication cleaning and by post-fabrication anodisingIt should be emphasized, however, that in general use in the marine and chemical industries discussed below, iron levels up to 0-2% do not adversely affect corrosion resistance. 

There is evidence that embrittlement can occur at temperatures below 370°C. Clauss and Forestier in fact reported that embrittlement can occur when tantalum is deformed in contact with hydrogen at room temperature. Examination of the literature indicates that one of the few defects in the resistance of tantalum to corrosion in aqueous media lies in its susceptibility to hydrogen embrittlement. Although it is inert in concentrated hydrochloric... 

Tantalum-Titanium Bishop examined the corrosion resistance of this alloy system in hydrochloric, sulphuric, phosphoric and oxalic acids and found that alloys containing up to about 50% titanium retained much of the superlative corrosion resistance of tantalum. Under more severe conditions, a titanium content of below 30% appears advisable from the standpoint of both corrosion resistance and hydrogen embrittlement, although contacting or alloying the material with noble metals greatly decreases the latter type of attack. Tantalum-titanium alloys cost less than tantalum because titanium is much cheaper than tantalum, and because the alloys are appreciably lower in density. These alloys are amenable to hot and cold work and appear to have sufficient ductility to allow fabrication. 

Parkins, R. N., from Stress Corrosion Cracking and Hydrogen Embrittlement of Iron Base Alloys, Edited by R. W. Staehle, J. Hochmann, R. D. McCright and J. E. Slater, NACE, Houston, p601, (1977)... 

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