Transitory embrittlement of polycrystalline silver by liquid gallium

Abstract

The phenomenon of embrittlement of polycrystalline silver (Ag) by liquid gallium (Ga) is known as liquid metal embrittlement (LME). An investigation was performed to determine the effects of holding the solid metal in contact with liquid Ga on the embrittlement. Solid Ag specimens in contact with liquid Ga were placed in a furnace at 308573K for different time periods before testing at 308 K. The specimens undergo severe embrittlement when the holding time is short whereas ductility is recovered when the holding time is long. The duration of brittleness decreases with increase in furnace temperature and it is proportional to the amount of Ga on the surface. The brittle to ductile transition is considered to occur during the formation process of an intermetallic Ga and Ag compound. © 2014 The Japan Institute of Metals and Materials.