Effect of Strain Rate on Hydrogen Embrittlement of Ti6Al4V Alloy

The phenomenon of hydrogen embrittlement (HE) in metals and alloys, which determines the performance of components in hydrogen environments, has recently been drawing considerable attention. This study explores the interplay between strain rates and solute hydrogen in inducing HE of Ti6Al4V alloy. For the hydrogen-charged sample, as the strain rate was decreased from 10⁻²/s to 10⁻⁵/s, the ductility decreased significantly, but the HE effect on mechanical strength was negligible. The low strain rate (LSR) conditions facilitated the development of high-angle grain boundaries, providing more pathways for hydrogen diffusion and accumulation. The presence of solute hydrogen intensified the formation of nano/micro-voids and intergranular cracking tendencies, with micro-crack occurrences observed exclusively in the LSR conditions. These factors expanded the brittle hydrogen-damaged region more deeply into the interior of the lattice. This, in turn, accelerated both crack initiation and intergranular crack propagation, finally resulting in a considerable HE effect and a reduction in ductility at the LSR. The current study underscores the influence of strain rate on HE, enhancing the predictability of longevity and improving the reliability of components operating in hydrogen-rich environments under various loading conditions.