- Embrittlement
Embrittlement is a loss of
ductility of a material, making itbrittle . Various materials have different mechanisms of embrittlement.*
Hydrogen embrittlement is the effect ofhydrogen absorption on some metals and alloys.*
Sulfide stress cracking is the embrittlement caused by absorption ofhydrogen sulfide .*
Liquid metal embrittlement (LME) is the embrittlement caused by liquid metals.*
Metal-induced embrittlement (MIE) is the embrittlement caused by diffusion of atoms of metal, either solid or liquid, into the material.*
Neutron radiation causes embrittlement of some materials,neutron-induced swelling , and buildup ofWigner energy . This is a process especially important forneutron moderator s and nuclearreactor vessel s (seeductility ).* The primary embrittlement mechanism of
plastics is gradual loss ofplasticizer s, usually by overheating or aging.* The primary embrittlement mechanism of
asphalt is by oxidation, which is most severe in warmer climates. Asphalt pavement embrittlement can lead to various forms of cracking patterns, including longitudinal, transverse, and block (hexogonal). Asphalt oxidation is related topolymer degradation , as these materials bear similarities in their chemical composition.ee also
*
Stress corrosion cracking
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