Effect of hydrogen on the VT30 titanium alloy properties at low temperatures

The temperature dependences of the mechanical properties of the hydrogen-saturated titanium VT30 alloy were investigated. An electron-fractographical analysis of specimen fractures was carried out. The investigation results show that the micromechanism of metal failure is directly proportional to the hydrogen content and test temperature, which, in turn, determines the type of hydrogen brittleness. The introduction of hydrogen strongly affects the phase composition and, hence, the mechanical properties of the alloy. Reversible hydrogen brittleness manifests itself both for hardened and aged VT30 alloy in the hydrogen concentration range of 0.010-0.03% (critical temperature of 20 deg C); a brittleness similar to cold-shortness appears beginning with the concentration of 0.05%