ENGINEERING CONCEPTS: Hydrogen Embrittlement of Copper

Tough-pitch coppers and even oxygen-free coppers are subject to a loss of tensile ductility (embrittlement) when exposed to reducing atmospheres. Bright annealing in a hydrogen-containing furnace atmosphere or brazing using a reducing flame are typical processes that can induce embrittlement of these coppers. Damage can be minimized if the temperature is kept below 750F (400C).

The process of embrittlement involves the diffusion of atomic hydrogen into the copper and subsequent reduction of Cu2O to produce water vapor in equation 1.