Tantalum hydrogen embrittlement, avoiding

Cleaning and degreasing of tantalum parts must be done after metalworking and machining in order to remove adherent greases and scales. It presents no special problems, and conventional methods and materials maybe used. However, owing to hydrogen embrittlement and corrosion by alkaline solutions, hot caustics (e.g., NaOH and KOH) must be avoided. 

In many applications tantalum can be substituted for platinum and gold, and there are some environments in which tantalum is more corrosion resistant than platinum. Table 3.37 lists the main chemicals for which tantalum is not a suitable substitute for platinum and, conversely, those for wliich tantalum is better than platinum. Tantalum is rapidly embrittled by nascent hydrogen even at room temperature. Therefore, it is very important to avoid the formation of galvanic couples between tantalum and other metals. 

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