Titanium Hydrogen Embrittlement Tendency
Titanium materials can pick up hydrogen and form brittle hydride phases, which can lead to unpredictable failure.
Physicochemical mechanism of action
Titanium materials have a high affinity for hydrogen. Under the influence of moisture or during welding with water-containing flux, hydrogen flows into the metal lattice and forms brittle hydride phases.
Metallurgical relevance & welding risks
The incorporation of hydrogen leads to embrittlement of the titanium workpiece, which strongly impairs the mechanical properties. This can lead to sudden failure or cracks in the weld seam, especially under load.
Workshop practice & operating instructions
To minimize the tendency for titanium hydrogen embrittlement, you should:
1. Keep the flux environment dry and use low-hydrogen flux.
2. Cool the weld seam quickly to ensure uniform deformation.
3. If necessary, add a deoxidizer such as silicon to the flux to bind oxygen and prevent hydrogen-free hydrides.