Abstract.
The humid air induced processes of embrittlement of the Sn–Al alloy and hydrogen emission have been investigated. Using the secondary-ion mass spectrometry, X-ray, scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry techniques it was found that the brittleness is caused by a failure of phase adhesion due to accumulation of hydrogen and formation of oxidized layers on phase boundaries during contact of the alloy with water vapour. Specific physical and electrochemical properties of the Sn/Al phase boundary satisfy conditions for the formation of atomic hydrogen and its reaction with Sn. Electrochemical corrosion plays an important role at the stage of formation of atomic hydrogen. The penetration of hydrogen and its accumulation in the bulk of the alloy is due to the high energy of the phase boundary and the low energy of formation of unstable tin hydride.
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Muktepavela, .F., Vasylyev, .M., Czerwinski, .A. et al. Investigation of hydrogen embrittlement of Sn–Al alloy during contact with water vapour. J Solid State Electrochem 7, 83–86 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10008-002-0312-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10008-002-0312-5