Abstract
The interaction of solid and liquid solutions of hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon in metals with molecules of the surrounding gas atmosphere is the central subject of this review. The characteristic features of this large field are demonstrated by discussing the basic principles, typical reaction mechanisms, and property changes of metals caused by dissolved non-metal atoms. The processes considered are described in terms of equilibrium thermodynamics, of the constitution of metal-non-metal systems, and of the kinetics of heterogeneous metal--gas reactions. Furthermore an evaluated set of thermodynamic data and physical and mechanical properties of binary systems is presented. This compilation of experimental data provides in addition to the basic equations of thermodynamics and reaction kinetics an insight into general trends and, thus, they can facilitate estimations in systems where no or only little information is available.
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