Hydrogen embrittlement of a metastable β-titanium alloy

The effect of hydrogen on the mechanical behavior of a metastable bcc beta-titanium alloy (Beta-C) has been investigated. By keeping the microstructure constant as the hydrogen concentration was increased the direct effect of hydrogen on the mechanical properties was ascertained. Hydrogen embrittles Beta-C Ti in the aged condition when the hydrogen level exceeds 3.5 at.% H in the bulk. The embrittlement was accompanied by a change in fracture appearance that was shown to be the result of the operation of several hydrogen related fracture mechanisms. (C) 2004 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.