Hydrogen diffusion and embrittlement in 7075 aluminum alloy

The effect of hydrogen on the mechanical properties of an A7075 aluminum alloy and hydrogen diffusivity are investigated using the electrochemical cathode charge method. The apparent hydrogen diffusivity in the A7075 alloy is 4.4 × 10−12 m2/s at 318 K. Hydrogen charging induces a decrease of both the tensile strength and the elongation to fracture in comparison to tests performed in atmospheric environment. In both cases, dimples and intergranular cracks were observed on the fracture surfaces. A striation-like pattern, which is characteristic of fracture surfaces in hydrogen embrittled iron and steels, is also observed.