Effect of hydrogen charging on the mechanical properties of medium strength aluminium alloys 2091 and 2014

Abstract

Cathodic hydrogen charging in 3·5% NaCl solution altered the mechanical properties of 2091-T351 (Al-Cu-Li-Mg-Zr) determined by a slow (10−3/s) strain rate tensile testing technique. UTS and YS decreased in the case of 2091-T351 and 2014-T6(Al-Cu-Mn-Si-Mg) with increase in charging current density. Elongation showed a decrease with increase in charging current density for both the alloys. However, elongation occurring throughout the gauge length in uncharged specimens changed over to localized deformation, thus increasing the reduction in area in charged specimens. A transition in fracture mode from surface (brittle) to the core (ductile) was observed. The presence of hydrogen increased the hardness, mostly indicative of solution strengthening and it decreased with depth confirming the existence of hydrogen concentration gradient. The effects were similar in 2014-T6, but to a slightly smaller extent.