Effect of Water Vapor/Hydrogen Environments on Niobium, B-66 Niobium Alloy, Tantalum, and Ta-10W Alloy

Abstract The results of an experimental investigation of the effect of water vapor/hydrogen environments on the mechanical properties of niobium, B-66 niobium alloy, tantalum, and Ta-10W alloy are presented. Tensile tests were conducted on specimens of these materials in water vapor/hydrogen environments with water vapor/hydrogen mixture ratios of 1 and 3. The water vapor/hydrogen environment caused strength reductions on tantalum and Ta—WW and ductility reductions on all four materials. The degree and causes of embrittlement were a complex function of temperature.