Thermohydrogen Processing of Titanium Alloys
Summary
Thermohydrogen processing harnesses the reversible uptake and release of hydrogen to tailor the microstructure and mechanical behaviour of titanium and its alloys. By heating alloys in a hydrogen‐rich atmosphere, hydrogen atoms dissolve into the lattice, stabilising the β phase and reducing the β‐transus temperature. This facilitates deformation at lower stresses, refines grain structure and promotes dynamic recrystallisation. Subsequent dehydrogenation restores the intrinsic purity and properties of the alloy while retaining the beneficial microstructural features imparted during hydrogenation. The technique offers precise control over phase transformations, enabling enhanced hot workability, improved fatigue resistance and the fabrication of complex geometries through additive and conventional routes. Owing to its ability to reduce processing temperatures and energy consumption, thermohydrogen processing has attracted interest for high‐value applications in aerospace, biomedical implants and automotive components, where lightweight strength and surface integrity are paramount.
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Thermohydrogen Processing of Titanium Alloys publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in thermohydrogen processing of titanium alloys across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Thermohydrogen processing: A heat‐treatment technique that uses hydrogen uptake and release to modify alloy phase equilibria and microstructure.
Hydride: A metal phase containing dissolved hydrogen, often altering mechanical and thermal characteristics.
α phase: The hexagonal close‐packed form of titanium stable at lower temperatures.
β phase: The body‐centred cubic form of titanium stable at higher temperatures or under hydrogen stabilisation.
Dehydrogenation: The removal of hydrogen from a metal, reverting it to its original phase composition.
References
- Hydrogen-Induced Phase Transformation and Microstructure Evolution for Ti-6Al-4V Parts Produced by Electron Beam Melting. Metals (2018).
- Laboratory X-ray Diffraction Complex for In Situ Investigations of Structural Phase Evolution of Materials under Gaseous Atmosphere. Metals (2020).
- Microstructure Evolution and Enhanced Hot Workability of TiC/Ti-6Al-4V Composites Fabricated by Melt Hydrogenation. Materials (2022).
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