Exposure embrittlement

Concentration Carbonyl index Time to mols / 100 g (before exposure) embrittlement (hrs)... 

Ebtehaj K, Hardie D, Parkins RN (1985) The stress corrosion and pre-exposure embrittlement of titanium in methanolic solutions of hydrochloric acid. Corros Sci 25 415 29. doi 10.1016/... 

Seamans G.M., Alani R., Swann P.R., Pre-exposure embrittlement and stress-corrosion failure in AlMgZn alloys. Corrosion Science, vol. 16, 1976, p. 443-459. 

Virtuallv evety alloy system has its specific environment conditions which will prodiice stress-corrosion cracking, and the time of exposure required to produce failure will vary from minutes to years. Typical examples include cracking of cold-formed brass in ammonia environments, cracking of austenitic stainless steels in the presence of chlorides, cracking of Monel in hydrofluosihcic acid, and caustic embrittlement cracking of steel in caustic solutions. 

Because the polybutadiene component is liable to oxidation, ABS materials are embrittled on prolonged exposure to sunlight. By replacing polybutadiene rubber with other elastomers that contain no main chain double bonds it has been possible to produce blends generally similar to ABS but with improved weathering resistance. Three particular types that have achieved commercial status are ... 

The polymers also have excellent resistance to oxidative degradation, most chemicals other than strong bases and high-energy radiation. Exposure for 1500 hours to a radiation of about 10 rads at 175°C led to embrittlement but the sample retained form stability. 

Weathering. This generally occurs as a result of the combined effect of water absorption and exposure to ultra-violet radiation (u-v). Absorption of water can have a plasticizing action on plastics which increases flexibility but ultimately (on elimination of the water) results in embrittlement, while u-v causes breakdown of the bonds in the polymer chain. The result is general deterioration of physical properties. A loss of colour or clarity (or both) may also occur. Absorption of water reduces dimensional stability of moulded articles. Most thermoplastics, in particular cellulose derivatives, are affected, and also polyethylene, PVC, and nylons. 

Oridation. This is caused by contact with oxidising acids, exposure to u-v, prolonged application of excessive heat, or exposure to weathering. It results in a deterioration of mechanical properties (embrittlement and possibly stress cracking), increase in power factor, and loss of clarity. It affects most thermoplastics to varying degrees, in particular polyolefins, PVC, nylons, and cellulose derivatives. 

It is not subjected to hydrogen embrittlement as is tantalum, niobium and nickel alloys, and thus is able to sustain thermal and mechanical shock after exposure to gaseous hydrogen at high temperatures. 

The embrittlement caused to aluminium alloys by pre-exposure to moist atmospheres or stress-corrosion environments is thought to be due to hydrogen in the atomic form. Intergranular bubbles of hydrogen, formed in association with certain precipitates, have been observed by HV and... 

The role of the stress in embrittlement and stress-corrosion processes has been examined in some detail by employing the slow strain-rate technique . Specimens of alloy 7179-T651 tested in air or in vacuum after pre-exposure to water at 70° C or in water at various potentials at ambient temperature exhibited a reversible embrittlement in excess of that arising from testing in moist air . The embrittlement was attributed to hydrogen absorption, and recovery was thought to be due to loss of hydrogen (particularly under vacuum) or to diffusion to traps. Potentiostatic tests revealed... 

For the designer it is not important whether cracking develops upon exposure to a benign or an aggressive medium. The important considerations are the embrittlement itself and the fact that apparently benign environments can cause serious brittle fractures when imposed on a product that is under sustained stress and strain, which is true of certain plastics. 

Cellulosic They are tough, transparent, hard or flexible natural polymers made from plant cellulose feedstock. With exposure to light, heat, weather and aging, they tend to dry out, deform, embrittle and lose gloss. Molding applications include tool handles, control knobs, eyeglass frames. Extrusion uses include blister packaging, toys, holiday decorations, etc. Cellulosic types, each with their specialty properties, include cellulose acetates (CAs), cellulose acetate butyrates (CABs), cellulose nitrates (CNs), cellulose propionate (CAPs), and ethyl celluloses (EC). 

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