Quick Overview
A high level of interest in new, environmentally friendly propulsion technologies inevitably leads to a significant demand for H2 supply systems. By developing new titanium alloys that are better suited for use in hydrogen-containing environments, the Ti-Star research project supports the introduction of all kinds of innovative propulsion systems.
Due to the excellent specific properties of titanium materials, it is desirable to use them in hydrogen-containing environments in the mobility sector. However, contact with hydrogen can lead to the formation of a brittle hydride phase, which causes premature failure and is generally known as hydrogen embrittlement of titanium materials. As a result, the use of currently known titanium alloys such as Ti-6Al-4V has been severely limited.
This is where the project comes in: it investigates the influence of specifically selected alloying elements on the behavior of titanium materials under hydrogen conditions, with the goal of developing a novel alloy for the applications described, which will enable the Hanseatic Trading Company to expand its product portfolio and tap into new markets. A promising approach to reducing the material’s susceptibility to hydrogen embrittlement is the incorporation of other hydride compounds that have a less embrittling effect and, due to their higher affinity, prevent the formation of titanium hydrides.
