A study of the mechanisms of hydrogen embrittlement in molybdenum
The mechanical properties of polycrystalline molybdenum samples in both the 'as annealed' and hydrogenized conditions were studied. The results indicate that hydrogen does not alter the yield stress of samples significantly although it reduces both the ultimate tensile strength and the ductility considerably. Fractographic study of samples shows a tendency to intercrystalline cracking of the hydrogenised molybdenum at low temperatures. In the light of the results, a mechanism involving grain boundary weakening is suggested.