The mechanical behavior of hydrogen charged beryllium copper

The mechanical properties of beryllium copper (BeCu; C17200) are adjustable within a wide range of strengths and corresponding ductilities. Although copper and copper-based alloys are not generally considered susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement, the documentation of this effect is now well-established. Laboratory cathodic charging was conducted in NACE solution at 90 and 200 F for 100 hr at 1 mA/cm/sup 2/ on tensile bars. Mechanical tests of charged and uncharged material provided the strength and ductility parameters for comparison. BeCu is resistant to hydrogen embrittlement, although not completely immune to this effect in a severe laboratory environment. Two nickel alloys were also tested under similar conditions and exhibited substantial embrittlement