Effect of hydrogen on the mechanical properties of a deformation processed Cu-20% Nb composite

The influence of H on the mechanical properties of a deformation processed Cu-20% Nb composite was analysed and compared with the results on similarly processed pure Cu and pure Nb. In this composite the matrix phase (Cu) is relatively resistant to H while the filamentary phase (Nb) is highly susceptible to H embrittlement. The results show that H, in an amount equivalent to that which causes embrittlement of pure Nb, causes no significant deleterious influence on the mechanical properties of Cu-20% Nb. Apparently the ductile Cu matrix creates a favourable stress state for the hydrogenated Nb filaments so that they are constrained from fracturing and continue to deform in a ductile manner.