Environmental effects on mechanical properties Our current studies are emphasizing the environment-induced embrittlement of intermetallic alloys. It is suspected that for these materials hydrogen embrittlement results from the reaction of the alloy surface with water vapor. Our work includes measurements of fracture toughness and sub-critical crack growth under controlled chemical and electrochemical conditions to gain information about the kinetics of embrittlement. Alloys for study are cast and processed in our laboratories.
Structural characterization includes transmission electron microscopy.
Free machining brass alloys Tonnage quantities of leaded brasses are used in manufacturing plumbing fittings and fixtures. The lead, which appears as small inclusions in the microstructure, promotes efficient and precise machining. There is now evidence that the minute quantities of lead dissolved from these alloys by drinking water may have adverse health effects and, for this reason, there is an urgent need to develop free machining alloys that do not contain lead. Our work has as its objective the characterization of the elemental cutting and fracture processes. Based on the findings of this work, experimental non-leaded alloy compositions will be prepared and studied.