Embrittlement

Embrittlement is a loss of elasticity of a material, making it brittle. Various materials have different mechanisms of embrittlement.

• Hydrogen embrittlement is the effect of hydrogen absorption on some metals and alloys.

• Sulphide stress cracking is the embrittlement caused by absorption of hydrogen sulfide.

• Liquid metal embrittlement (LME) is the embrittlement caused by liquid metals.

• Metal-induced embrittlement (MIE) is the embrittlement caused by diffusion of atoms of metal, either solid or liquid, into the material.

• Neutron radiation causes embrittlement of some materials, neutron-induced swelling, and buildup of Wigner energy. This is a process especially important for neutron moderators and nuclear reactor vessels.

• The primary embrittlement mechanism of plastics is gradual loss of plasticizers, usually by overheating or aging.

See also

• Stress corrosion cracking