Effects of oxygen, hydrogen and neutron irradiation on the mechanical properties of several vanadium alloys

Several V–Cr–Ti–Al–Si alloys were studied or reviewed of their mechanical properties after their exposure to oxygen, hydrogen and neutron irradiation environments. The results showed that the oxidation kinetic of V4Cr4Ti alloy exhibited parabolic behavior in a flowing argon gas with low partial pressure oxygen over the temperatures from 450 to 600 °C. Most of the alloys showed ductility losses with the increasing oxygen concentration with an exception of V4Ti3Al. Strong sensitivity to hydrogen embrittlement was found for the alloys with the combination of high oxygen concentration and high mechanical strength. It was found that the effect of hydrogen and neutron irradiation on the uniform deformation capability caused by their hardening are equivalent with that of the strain hardening. Fine grain was recommended for the alloys to improve their properties against hydrogen embrittlement and neutron irradiation induced ductility loss.