Microstructure and internal friction of Ni–Ti alloys absorbing hydrogen

Abstract

The microstructure and internal friction of Ni–Ti alloys after hydrogen absorption have been investigated by means of optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry and low frequency torsional internal friction apparatus. The results show that, after hydrogen absorption, the grains tend to be elongated, and the nucleation and growth of hydrides are mainly concentrated at the grain boundaries. In addition, a new phase ultimately identified as Ti₂NiH_0·5 phase forms after absorption of hydrogen. The hydrogen induced martensite promotes the emergence of a two-stage transformation. However, the growth of hydrides causes a reduction of the hydrogen induced martensite. The hydrides act as strong pinning points, resulting in a dramatic increase in the internal friction. In addition, the marked change of the internal stress, caused by the microscopic strain and the mismatching of the volumes, also improves the internal friction.