The effect of hydrogen upon the mechanical properties of an AA7075 aluminium alloy and hydrogen diffusivity were investigated by using the electrochemical cathode charge method. The apparent hydrogen diffusivity in the AA7075 alloy was 4.4 x 10−12m2/s at 318K. Hydrogen-charging induced a decrease in both the tensile strength and the elongation to fracture in comparison to tests performed in an atmospheric environment. In both cases, dimples and intergranular cracks were observed on the fracture surfaces. A striation-like pattern, which was characteristic of fracture surfaces in hydrogen-embrittled iron and steels, was also observed.

Hydrogen Diffusion and Embrittlement in 7075 Aluminum Alloy. N.Takano: Materials Science and Engineering A, 2008, 483-484, 336-9