The results of an experimental investigation of the effect of water vapor/hydrogen environments on the mechanical properties of niobium, B-66 niobium alloy, tantalum, and Ta-10W alloy are presented. Tensile tests were conducted on specimens of these materials in water vapor/hydrogen environments with water vapor/hydrogen mixture ratios of 1 and 3. The water vapor/hydrogen environment caused strength reductions on tantalum and Ta-10W and ductility reductions on all four materials. The degree and causes of embrittlement were a complex function of temperature.

Subject
Embrittlement, Water, Tantalum, Oxides, Aqueous environments, Niobium, Argon, Mixtures, Oxide surfaces, Elongation, Oxygen, Ductility, Hydrogen
Keywords:
hydrogen embrittlement, niobium, tantalum, water vapor corrosion
National Association of Corrosion Engineers
1991
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