Effect of hydrogenation on the structural, thermal and mechanical properties of Zr50–Ni27–Nb18–Co5 amorphous alloy

The objective of the study described in the following paper is to examine the variations in the structure, thermal and mechanical properties of Zr-based amorphous ribbon of composition Zr50–Ni27–Nb18–Co5, upon electrochemical charging with hydrogen. Structural analysis showed that the amorphous nature of the alloy was retained for low hydrogen concentrations. But beyond a critical concentration, hydrogenation of the glassy alloy played a major role in altering the structural and thermal stability, and mechanical properties. Particularly for relatively high concentrations (>16 at.%), hydrogen induced nanocrystallization and simultaneous reduction in fracture strength were observed. Hydrogen embrittlement occurred at high concentrations and was attributed to the reduction in cohesion between atoms due to the presence of hydrogen.