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.
- Sulfide 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.
