J. Mater. Sci. Technol. ›› 2022, Vol. 122: 20-32.DOI: 10.1016/j.jmst.2022.01.008

• Review Article • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Hydrogen embrittlement and failure mechanisms of multi-principal element alloys: A review

Xinfeng Lia,*(), Jing Yina, Jin Zhangb,*(), Yanfei Wangc,*(), Xiaolong Songd, Yong Zhange, Xuechong Renf   

  1. aSino-French Institute of Nuclear Engineering and Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
    bCollege of Education for the Future, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai 519087, China
    cSchool of Chemical Engineering & Technology, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
    dState Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
    eState Key Laboratory for Advanced Metals and Materials, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
    fNational Center for Materials Service Safety, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China

Abstract:

Multi-principal element alloys exhibit excellent physical, chemical and mechanical properties, and they are used as novel structural materials for potential applications in nuclear energy, hydrogen energy, and petrochemical fields. However, exposing components made of the alloys to service conditions related to the mentioned applications may induce hydrogen embrittlement (HE) as one of the typical failure mechanisms. In this review, we report and summarize the progress in understanding HE in multi-principal element alloys, with a particular focus on high-entropy alloys (HEAs). The review focuses on four aspects: (1) hydrogen migration behavior (hydrogen dissolution, hydrogen diffusion, and hydrogen traps); (2) factors affecting HE (hydrogen concentration, alloy elements and microstructure); (3) tensile mechanical properties in the presence of hydrogen and micro-damage HE mechanisms; (4) the design concept for preventing hydrogen-induced mechanical degradation. The differences in the HE behavior and failure mechanisms between HEAs and traditional alloys are compared and discussed. Moreover, specific research directions for further investigation of fundamental HE issues and a strategy for a simultaneous improvement in strength and HE resistance are identified.

Key words: Hydrogen embrittlement, High-entropy alloy, Hydrogen diffusion, Mechanical property