Embrittlement
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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 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.
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