Ti and its alloys as examples of cryogenic focused ion beam milling of environmentally-sensitive materials.

Hydrogen pick-up leading to hydride formation is often observed in commercially pure Ti (CP-Ti) and Ti-based alloys prepared for microscopic observation by conventional methods, such as electro-polishing and room temperature focused ion beam (FIB) milling. Here, we demonstrate that cryogenic FIB milling can effectively prevent undesired hydrogen pick-up. Specimens of CP-Ti and a Ti dual-phase alloy (Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-6Mo, Ti6246, in wt.

Mechanisms of hydrogen embrittlement in steels: discussion.

This discussion session interrogated the current understanding of hydrogen embrittlement mechanisms in steels.This article is part of the themed issue 'The challenges of hydrogen and metals'.

Political, economic and environmental concerns: discussion.

This session concerned the political, economic and environmental impact on the hydrogen economy due to hydrogen embrittlement.This article is part of the themed issue 'The challenges of hydrogen and metals'.