Hydrogen Permeability and Erosion of W-Pd Bimetallic Systems

We have carried out an experimental investigation of the erosion of W - Pd bimetallic systems in different states (saturated with hydrogen and nonsaturated) under the action of the stationary nitrogen plasma of a mirror Penning discharge and have studied the kinetics of hydrogen penetration through such systems. Possible mechanisms have been suggested for the explanation of a significant decrease in the erosion rate and damages of W - Pd systems (shape changes, macroblistering, and macroflaking) induced by saturation with hydrogen to high concentrations. We have also analyzed the discovered anomalies in the behavior of the hydrogen permeability of W - Pd bimetallic systems by the measured isotherms and isobars of hydrogen permeability, the energy state of hydrogen in W - Pd systems, and the theory of diffusion in systems with a great number of closed and interconnected pores.