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Results for “yield strength”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 289 records · Page 16
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

Tunable mechanical behavior of graphene nanoribbon-metal composites fabricated through an electrocharge-assisted process

This work investigates the role of a carbon nanophase on the local mechanical behavior of nanocarbon metal matrix composites (NCMCs) produced through an electrocharge-assisted process. Nanoindentation experiments on single crystal Al, Al 1350 parent alloys, and Al 1350 NCMCs revealed variable mechanical properties, caused by an interplay between microstructure and graphitic reinforcements. TEM and AFM studies also reveal nanoscale structural changes based on the incorporation of a carbon nanophase. In order to decouple the effects of the aforementioned mechanical behaviors, molecular dynamics nanoindentation simulations were performed on the (111) surface of Al and Al NCMC samples containing semi-infinite graphene nanoribbons to examine the evolution of plasticity over time. Findings indicate that the arrangement of a finite graphene nanophase within a host matrix can alter plasticity mechanisms and therefore yield strength in near-surface mechanical behavior with little effect on elastic properties. Here, this understanding enables further study into tunable bulk properties of Al-based NCMCs while isolating microstructural effects and reinforcement effects of the carbon phase. Such an understanding will lead to application-specific material geometries ranging from highperforming vehicle structures to next-generation electrical devices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Varied enhancements in mechanical properties and sodium compatibility of Grade 92 by thermomechanical treatments

As a candidate material for advanced nuclear reactors, a ferritic-martensitic (FM) steel Grade 92 in the standard normalized and tempered (NT) condition was subjected to two types of thermomechanical treatments (TMTs) with one having a lower level of deformation (T5A) and the other having a higher level of deformation (T5B). The testing results of the three conditions indicated that the TMTs significantly improved yield strength, creep resistance, fracture toughness, and sodium corrosion resistance compared with the NT condition. T5A excelled at creep resistance while T5B at sodium corrosion resistance. Microstructural characterization of the three conditions supports the varied enhancements in the properties. This study suggests that an appropriate TMT can be developed and applied to FM steels to better meet specific application requirements.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Characterization of multi-material 316L-Hastelloy X fabricated via laser powder-bed fusion

The aim of this work is to provide firsthand knowledge of 316 L stainless steel (316 L) and Hastelloy X (HX) multi-material processing via laser powder bed fusion (PBF). Specifically, microstructure of the interface is studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Surface metrology is performed to characterize the resulting surface roughness at the interface followed by tensile and flexural testing of multi-material samples to characterize the mechanical properties of the interfaces. Results showed that use of proper process parameters for each individual material led to formation of a compositional gradient at the interface that stretched for 240 μm (10–12 layers) with no evidence of cracking or porosity. The interface exhibited higher surface roughness compared to 316 L or HX as measured by arithmetic mean height, Sa, and maximum valley depth, Sv, parameters. During tensile testing, samples failed in the 316 L region away from the interface, with comparable yield strength, ultimate strength, and ductility. Finally, it was concluded that the “naturally” formed interface created a compositional gradient which was defect free due to similar values of coefficient of thermal expansion, input energy density, and different Marangoni numbers of the materials.

316L stainless Steel↗
DOE OSTI2022

Microstructures and deformation mechanisms of the medium-entropy alloy (NiCoCr) 76 (Ni 6 AlTi) 3

Here the microstructures and deformation mechanisms of the f.c.c. medium-entropy alloy (MEA) (NiCoCr) 76 (Ni 6 AlTi) 3 has been analyzed after various thermo-mechanical treatments. The solutionized, single-phase MEA, which had a grain size of 93.4 ± 31.9 μm, was cold-rolled (CR) to a 80% thickness reduction after which it showed both a high yield strength (YS) of 1539 MPa and a high ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 1602 MPa, but an elongation to failure, ε, of only 16%. The CR MEA was then subjected to one of two heat treatments: (1) the CR MEA was recrystallized at 1100°C for 24 h, which produced a single-phase material with 85 ± 61.7 μm grain size that exhibited a much lower YS and UTS of 364 MPa and 747 MPa, respectively, but a much greater ε of 73%; and (2) the MEA was aged at 700°C for 24 h, which produced a fine-grained (1.1 ± 0.9 μm) material and a high volume fraction (0.35) of 12 nm dia. L1 2 nanoparticles that exhibited an excellent combination of strength and ductility, viz., YS~1501 MPa, UTS~1651 MPa, elongation ~26%. The grain boundary strengthening and precipitation strengthening were together estimated to account for ~58% of the YS in the latter material. After deformation, the recrystallized MEA contained numerous stacking faults and a Taylor lattice structure containing domain boundaries and microbands, while the aged MEA exhibited numerous stacking faults and sheared particles. The density of low-angle grain boundaries (LAGBs) in the recrystallized MEA increased by 100 times to 2.2 × 10 –1 μm/μm 2 while the density of CSL Σ3 n boundaries decreased by 71% to 7.8 × 10 –3 μm/μm 2 after deformation. In contrast, the density of LAGBs in the aged MEA increased by 5 times to 2.6 μm/μm 2 while the density of CSL Σ3 n boundaries decreased by 57% to 0.6 μm/μm 2 after deformation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Macroscale property assessment and indentation characteristics of thick section friction stir welded AA 5083

The spatial gradients in microstructure have been proven to be effective in optimizing the performance of components, and several techniques have been developed to achieve this microstructure. Nevertheless, the local microstructural modification methods inevitably result in the formation of gradient microstructure leading to a variation in the property. Herein this work systematically investigates the effect of gradient microstructure formed during thick section friction stir weld Al5083 alloy on its mechanical properties. A novel macro-indentation technique, profilometer-based indentation plastometry (PIP), is utilized to capture the variation in the mechanical properties in the feedstock (rolled plate) and weld region. The feedstock exhibited a gradient microstructure owing to different stress states during rolling. Additionally, the stirring of the tool resulted in a complex material flow pattern producing a microstructure gradient in the weld region. The aspect ratio of the grains was identified as the primary factor causing variation in indentation response in the feedstock. In contrast, variation in the grain size in the weld region resulted in property variation. Overall, the stir zone has a lower yield strength (158±4MPa) than the base material (173±3MPa). In addition, microstructure heterogeneity in the stir zone resulted in lower elongation than the base material.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Tensile behavior of diffusion bonded AA6061 - AA6061 with variation in cooling method

Hot isostatically pressed AA6061 cladding is an important structural component of the high performance, Zr-laminated U-10Mo monolithic fuel system for the application in research and test reactors. In this study, the mechanical behavior of two diffusion bonded aluminum alloy, AA6061, was examined using tensile testing. Solid-to-solid diffusion bonding between two pieces of AA6061 was performed by isothermal annealing at 560 °C for 1.5 h, and diffusion couples were subsequently cooled via three different cooling methods: furnace cooling, air cooling, and water quenching. Dog-bone shaped tensile specimens, with 10 mm in gauge length (with diffusion bonded interface in the middle), and 1.5 × 1.5 mm 2 gauge cross-sections, were fabricated from the diffusion bonded AA6061 by electro-discharge machining. Yield strength (% EL at failure) of furnace cooled, air cooled and water quenched tensile specimens determined was 82 ~ 89 MPa (10 ~ 30%), 112 ~ 116 MPa (10 ~ 14%), and 149 ~ 164 MPa (10 ~ 17%), respectively. This variation in mechanical behavior was examined with cooling-rate dependent, concentrated precipitation of Mg 2 Si at the diffusion bonded interface, with due respect for mechanical properties of the AA6061 alloy that inherently vary as a function of cooling rate from 560 °C. Finite element analysis using ABAQUS was employed to augment experimental findings with the appropriate microstructural constituents and alloy properties. Results suggest that the strength is dominated by matrix/bulk properties of AA6061, while ductility is strongly influenced by the cooling method dependent presence of Mg 2 Si precipitates at the interface.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Laser powder bed fusion of oxide dispersion-strengthened IN718 alloys: A complementary study on microstructure and mechanical properties

In this study, two new grades of oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) Inconel 718 (IN718) alloys were designed by the thermochemical CALPHAD method and produced by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) technique. Alloys designated as IN718-YF and IN718-YFH, that consist Y 2 O 3 –FeO and Y 2 O 3 –FeO–Hf, respectively, were fabricated with >99.9 % densification using optimized process parameters. CALPHAD calculations were highly consistent with experimental findings, highlighting the formation of Al-containing Y–Ti–O and Y–Hf–O nano-oxides in both alloy types. Texture analyzes revealed no significant texture development in as-built (AB) or heat-treated (HT) alloys. Heat treatment was applied at 1050 °C for 1 h to enhance nano-oxide density. Further, the nano-oxide number density remained similar in IN718-YF while it decreased in IN718-YFH alloy as a result of carbide formation after the heat treatment. Besides, formation of secondary γ' particles was observed in the IN718-YFH/HT alloy. Even though the yield strengths of IN718-YF and IN718-YFH alloys in both AB and HT conditions were similar, the ductility of IN718-YFH was ~50 % less in almost all conditions compared to the ductility of IN718-YF. This has been shown to be as a result of irregular shaped micron-sized Y-Hf-O oxides, martensite formation in AB condition, increased amount of carbides and existence of secondary γ' particles in HT condition in IN718-YFH. High density of stacking faults (SF) forming at the interface of the nano-oxides have been detected in IN718-YF alloys. Besides dislocation/nanoparticle interactions, SFs which are responsible for the delocalization of the deformation improve the ductility of IN718-YF alloys. Overall, high temperature mechanical tests exhibit that both alloys have higher strength with improved ductility compared to the standard IN718 alloys, indicating the contribution of the nano-oxides.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Friction stir processing on a strontium modified, thin-wall, vacuum-assisted high-pressure die-cast Aural-5 alloy to improve tensile and fatigue performance

Here, this study explores the application of friction stir processing (FSP) to enhance the material properties of Sr-modified Aural-5 alloy, with a focus on improved tensile and fatigue properties. Aural-5 is a well-known vacuum-assisted high-pressure die-cast (HPDC) Al-Si7-Mg alloy used in the automotive industry to reduce vehicle weight, enhance fuel efficiency, and lower carbon emissions. This alloy modifies its material chemistry with Sr for fine fibrous networks of eutectic silicon and manganese (Mn) to reduce die soldering. It has significantly less iron (Fe) content resulting in the elimination of detrimental needle-shaped Fe-bearing ß-phase intermetallic and improving ductility. The initial microstructure of as-received HPDC Aural-5 exhibits shrinkage porosity in the middle section, a dendritic microstructure with fibrous Al-Si eutectic colonies, a shear-band structure beneath the die-wall, large dendritic externally solidified crystals (ESCs), needle-shaped Mg 2 Si phase and significant second-phase particulates. Some of those microstructural features, such as porosity, ESCs, needle-shaped Mg 2 Si phase, and large second-phase particles, serve as initiation sites for cracks under mechanical loading, resulting in adverse effects on tensile properties, particularly ductility. FSP effectively transforms the microstructure into a wrought configuration with uniform particle distribution by eliminating porosity and disintegrating dendrites, eutectic colonies, ESCs, second-phase particles, and shear-band structures. FSP-driven microstructure modification enhances yield strength and tensile ductility by ~30% and ~35%, respectively. The fatigue life of the material in a bending mode configuration (stress ratio R = 0.1) after FSP exhibits enhancements ranging from 2.0 to 3.9 times that of the original HPDC Aural-5 alloy, depending on the applied stress level.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Hydrogen embrittlement of Zircaloy-4 fabricated by ultrasonic additive manufacturing

Ultrasonic additive manufacturing (UAM) was successfully applied to the zirconium material system to create a planar geometry. Following fabrication, SS-J3 type tensile specimens of the UAM and wrought Zircaloy-4 with a nominal gage section of 5×1.2×0.75 mm were machined for hydriding studies and mechanical testing. The SS-J3 type tensile specimens were gas-charged with hydrogen using a custom system that precisely controls hydrogen gas flow rate, hydrogen partial pressure, and temperature. To avoid altering the UAM material, the maximum process temperature was limited to 550°C. Using different initial hydrogen gas pressures and flow rates, various hydrogen contents (70–1755 wppm) were achieved for Zircaloy-4 specimens. Tensile testing shows that, regardless of hydrogen content, all UAM specimens measured yield strengths in the range of 557±16 MPa and ultimate tensile strengths of 660±4MPa. However, total elongation clearly decreased as a function of increasing hydrogen content. Further, at the lowest hydrogen content, the total plastic elongation measured 21.5%, and this value decreased to less than 2% when the hydrogen content was increased to 1000 wppm. Cross-sectional optical microscopy images revealed that the hydride distributions are randomly oriented. For the low hydrogen content specimen, these randomly distributed hydrides are isolated from each other. A sandwiched structure, consisting of high-density and low-density layers, was also observed for the specimens with hydrogen content between 200 and 400 wppm. As the hydrogen content increases, the hydrides diffuse into the low-density hydride layers to form a network across the whole specimen. Although the tensile properties of UAM and wrought Zircaloy-4 exhibit the same behavior with increasing hydrogen content, the distinctions in grain orientations led to differences in the hydride orientations at low and intermediate hydrogen concentrations.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Microstructural heterogeneities in additively manufactured refractory alloy C103 and their implications for room and elevated temperature mechanical behavior

Considering the vast component design space enabled by fusion-based additive manufacturing (F-BAM) processes, e.g., directed energy deposition (DED), the scale-up manufacturing of Nb-alloys with F-BAM is advantageous for structural applications. However, varying thermokinetic parameters-induced microstructural heterogeneities are prevalent within the F-BAM processed alloys. Such microstructural heterogeneities can have significant implications for the room and elevated temperature mechanical behavior. While a few studies investigating F-BAM processed alloy C103 are available, none of these studies investigate the microstructural heterogeneities – including those associated with solidification growth modes and second phase particles – and the effect thereof on the mechanical behavior. To this end, we investigate the microstructurally heterogeneous regions with varying solidification growth morphologies, segregation behavior, and second phase particle attributes within the laser-DED processed alloy C103. The implications of such heterogeneous regions for room- and elevated-temperature tensile behavior and damage mechanisms are revealed. Particularly, the interface between the cellular and planar region is identified as susceptible to deformation localization. The implications of hot isostatic pressing (HIP) for the consolidation behavior, microstructural evolution, and resulting mechanical behavior are also discussed. Although the recrystallization and grain growth led to a reduced yield strength in the HIPed condition, the homogenization of microstructure alleviated the deformation localization sites, such as the planar/cellular interface within the melt pool. The homogenized microstructure alongside the enhanced consolidation upon HIP led to an enhanced elongation to failure. Findings establish microstructural design considerations in F-BAM processed Nb alloys and also facilitate design of post-processing heat treatments for achieving improved mechanical properties.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Boron Nitride-Driven Strengthening of Aluminum Composites via Friction Stir Processing

Friction stir welding and processing (FSW/P) has emerged as an effective solid-state joining technique for fabricating metal matrix composites (MMCs), offering improved mechanical properties through refined microstructural evolution. In this study, an aluminum-boron nitride nanoparticle (Al-BNNP) composite was synthesized via FSW, and its indentation-based mechanical properties were systematically evaluated. Microhardness mapping across the weld cross-section revealed a progressive increase in hardness toward the stir zone (SZ), attributed to severe plastic deformation, dynamic recrystallization (DRX), and the reinforcing effect of BNNPs. Profilometry-based indentation plastometry (PIP) inferred yield strength (YS) demonstrates a 47.8% increase compared to the base metal (BM) and a 75% improvement compared to FSP pure aluminum reported in literature. This enhancement is attributed to strengthening mechanisms, including grain boundary pinning, load transfer, and increased dislocation density. The strain rate sensitivity (SRS) measurements at the nanoscale demonstrated a substantial decrease in the SZ, correlated with ultrafine grain structures and strong BNNP-matrix interactions. Activation volume analysis revealed a significant reduction in the SZ, suggesting that dislocation motion is increasingly restricted by dislocation-dislocation and dislocation-particle interactions. These findings suggest that incorporating BNNPs in FSW/P enables tailoring the microstructure without thermal degradation of the secondary particles, thereby significantly enhancing the mechanical performance of aluminum composites, particularly for structural applications in aerospace and automotive industries.

Aluminum↗
DOE OSTI2025

A novel microstructural approach for TRIP/TWIP β-Ti alloys using intermetallic precipitation

Interest in metastable β-Ti has grown, due to the exceptional work hardening caused by TRansformation and TWinning Induced Plasticity (TRIP/TWIP). A current challenge is increasing the yield strength, while maintaining the benefits of TRIP/TWIP. This study presents the first report of TRIP/TWIP in a metastable β-Ti alloy containing intermetallic compounds, specifically Ti silicide precipitates. Silicon (Si) additions enable the formation of silicide particles, which can be precipitated, dissolved, and controlled through tailored heat treatments. In-situ synchrotron x-ray diffraction during tensile testing reveals primary {332}<113> twinning activates first, followed by TRIP, leading to extensive work hardening and uniform elongation in the solutionized state. In conclusion, these findings open a novel microstructural approach to the design of multiphase TRIP/TWIP titanium alloys, relying on intermetallic precipitation rather than allotropes such as α or ω phase, and lay the groundwork for future studies on intermetallic precipitation strengthening.

Materials science↗
DOE OSTI2026

Hydrogen embrittlement and mechanical response of 304L steel with ZrC additions

While stainless steels are widely used for hydrogen storage infrastructure, they can still be vulnerable to hydrogen embrittlement justifying the need to further improve their hydrogen resiliency. Here, we investigate the potential for transition metal carbide additions to improve the hydrogen compatibility of austenitic stainless steels. ZrC nanoparticles were dispersed in contents of 0.01–10 wt% in 304 L stainless steel powder, mixed via high energy ball milling, and subsequently consolidated using direct current sintering. To assess hydrogen compatibility, the tensile properties of similarly processed 304 L without ZrC nanoparticles were compared to 304 L with the ZrC additions; both materials were evaluated prior to and after hydrogen exposure (non-charged and H-precharged, respectively). Depending upon the ZrC phase fraction, the yield strengths varied from ∼325 to 560 MPa in the non-charged condition and from ∼375 to 550 MPa in the H-precharged condition. Strain at failure varied from ∼5 to 90 % and from ∼5 to 35 % in the non-charged and hydrogen-precharged conditions, respectively. Results from stress-strain profiles demonstrate limited efficacy of ZrC as a method to mitigate hydrogen embrittlement entirely but does demonstrate the potency of ZrC inclusions as strengthening addition to 304 L alloys without a loss of ductility.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2026

Understanding the effect of friction stir processing on electrical steel: Microstructural changes and mechanical transformations

Raising Si beyond 3.5 wt% reduces core loss but embrittles electrical steels, constraining processing and application. Here we assess friction stir processing (FSP) as a solid‑state route to enable Fe–4.0 wt% Si with improved mechanical performance. Temperature‑controlled FSP with a PcBN tool produced a defect‑free processed zone. SEM/EBSD revealed dynamic recrystallization and grain refinement from an average 110 μm in the base material to ∼20 μm in the processed region, with ∼ 80% of grains < 40 μm and a reduction in high‑angle boundary fraction to ∼65% (vs >85% in the base). Comparative mechanical property analysis shows a moderate increase in yield strength in FSP samples relative to the base material, with a significant improvement in ductility (∼35–50%). Post‑fracture EBSD identified 60° twin boundaries in the base while sub-grain formation with elevated KAM in the FSP sample. Fractography revealed a shift from quasi‑cleavage in the Base-faceted planes with river patterns, steps, and occasional secondary cracks—to ductile micro void coalescence after FSP. Following FSP, the material retains soft‑magnetic behavior, with modest shifts in saturation magnetization consistent with grain refinement and stored strain, accompanied by a clear gain in formability. These results indicate that FSP provides a viable route to deploy higher‑Si electrical steels with concurrent gains in strength and ductility.

Electrical steel↗
DOE OSTI2020

An additively manufactured AlCuMnZr alloy microstructure and tensile mechanical properties

In this study, selective laser melting (SLM) was used to fabricate an AlCuMnZr alloy. The microstructural features that resulted from additive manufacturing (AM) were significantly refined compared to the corresponding cast alloy features. A combination of fine equiaxed and columnar grains along with in-situ formation of θ' precipitates during AM leads to enhanced yield strength (up to 300°C) in the as-fabricated AM alloy. The refinement of brittle intermetallics and a bimodal grain size distribution leads to improved tensile elongation in the AM alloy. The results illustrate the microstructural advantages that can result from additive processing over conventionally processed microstructures.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Processes controlling helium bubble dynamics at varying temperatures in simulated radioactive materials

Alpha-radiation damage is known to degrade materials exposed to harsh radiation environments via swelling and embrittlement by nano-scale helium bubbles. How these bubbles grow under varying temperature is essential to understanding and predicting material failure and optimization. Using in situ X-ray scattering, we probed ≈1012 bubbles before, during and after annealing at different temperatures in He-implanted aluminum to reveal a critical growth activation temperature that depends strongly on the helium implantation conditions. An analysis of the data aided by our molecular dynamics simulations identifies multiple temperature-dependent bubble growth mechanisms above and below the critical growth activation temperature. Moreover, the irreversible bubble growth that occurs after annealing for ≈4 h was evaluated using dislocation dynamics and found to negligibly affect the yield strength but may affect subsequent bubble growth at temperature. These in situ results provide valuable insight into bubble growth never observed before and reveal, for the first time, bubble shrinkage after cooling.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Controlling mechanical properties of laser powder bed fused AlSi10Mg through manipulation of laser scan rotation

The microstructure and mechanical properties of laser powder bed fused (LPBF) AlSi10Mg alloys can be controlled by many processing parameters. This study focuses on the scan rotation angle, α, between adjacent layers, and establishes the relationship between α and tensile behavior of the as-built LPBF-processed AlSi10Mg alloy. Near-full density cubic coupons were manufactured using the same processing parameters but with systematic variation of α from 0° to 90°. Microscopic observations and X-ray diffraction analysis showed that differences among various coupons mainly include orientations of the melt pools with respect to the build direction and development of the crystallographic texture. The α=0° coupon and α=30° coupon showed the highest and lowest texture index, although the overall crystallographic texture was mild. Tensile specimens were manufactured horizontally and vertically using either α=0° or α=30°, but with various first layer laser direction with respect to the build plate. Notably, the α=0° specimen that was tested along the laser scan direction showed the largest yield strength (283 MPa) and highest tensile ductility (10.1 %). Quantitative image analysis and fractography were performed on all specimens. Results showed that the melt pool orientation with respect to the tensile direction affected the tensile behavior across the different specimens. This was closely related to the localized strain distribution within the melt pool and along the melt pool boundary for the different melt pool orientations observed. Further, these results demonstrate that the laser scan rotation angle between layers can be used to fine tune the mechanical properties of LPBF AlSi10Mg alloy.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Rheological effects of moisture content on the anatomical fractions of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda)

Here, this study focused on assessing the influence of moisture content on the rheological properties of different anatomical fractions of pine residue using the FT4 powder rheometer. Moisture content exhibited some influence on the 2 mm bark and needle fractions, increasing their cohesion, angle of internal friction, unconfined yield strength, and major principal stress. Stem and whole, on the other hand, presented minimal changes upon moisture introduction. All 4 mm fractions did not show many changes in their rheological properties with moisture introduction, which can be due to less particle-particle interactions and consequently reducing any liquid bridging the particles might undergo; however, they were shown to have a more unpredictable behavior compared to the 2 mm analogues (i.e., higher standard deviation) which can be due to a higher degree of particle-interlocking. Out of the three fractions, needle presented the poorest rheological properties for flowability in addition to being susceptible by moisture, unlike other fractions.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗