Accidents could stem from system failures related to faulty construction or pressure vessel embrittlement due to prolonged radiation exposure.
32.
Some materials, notably high-strength steels, aluminium, and titanium alloys, are susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement.
33.
Non-stainless varieties of maraging steel are moderately corrosion-resistant, and resist stress corrosion and hydrogen embrittlement.
34.
Vinegar syndrome is the result of chemical decay and produces " buckling and shrinking, embrittlement, and bubbling ".
35.
Hydrogen embrittlement may also occur in the reactor materials and volatile fission products can be released from damaged fuel rods.
36.
Further, it was determined that hydrogen embrittlement had reduced the fracture resistance of the steel by more than half.
37.
Since there is no piping in the core and the coolant contains no hydrogen, embrittlement is not a failure concern.
38.
However, it should not be used on steel, aluminum or magnesium because it can cause porosity and hydrogen embrittlement.
39.
While this process does not cause problems with hydrogen embrittlement, and electroplating does, it still offers equivalent corrosion protection.
40.
Titanium alloys are susceptible to hydrogen absorption which can induce precipitation of hydrides and cause embrittlement, leading to material failure.
