Multiphase and microstructure effects on the hydrogen absorption/desorption behavior of a Ti–22Al–27Nb alloy Original Research Article

The hydrogen absorption/desorption behavior of hydride-forming alloys depends on their microstructure. We investigated multiphase effects on the hydrogen absorption/desorption behavior at 100°C of a ternary alloy [Ti–22Al–27Nb (at.%)] whose microstructure consists of β (bcc) [or its ordered phase β0 (B2)] and/or O (orthorhombic, based on Ti2AlNb) phases. On exposing β0 single-phase specimens to hydrogen, β hydride (B2) is easily formed. However, further hydriding to γ hydride (bct) does not easily occur. When the O phase exists in the β matrix phase, the β→γ hydride transformation occurs and the reversible absorption/desorption of hydrogen between β and γ hydrides is observed. Roles of the O phase in the reversible hydrogen absorption/desorption behavior are discussed on the basis of the crystal structure correlation between the β phase, O phase and γ hydride phase and the ordering of hydrogen atoms in these phases.