Interestingly, this mechanism does not depend on the existence of free fluid in the pore spaces of rocks and therefore provided a distinct alternative to the dehydration embrittlement hypothesis that was currently favoured as a mechanism for generating intermediate-depth earthquakes.
Sodium carbonate, if present, hydrolyzes to produce free alkali that causes caustic embrittlement and failure of the boiler plates.
In 1986 he retired, returned to the Metallurgy Department, and researched the application of modern electron theory of metals to metallurgical problems, such as embrittlement of metals by certain impurities.
His study on the hardening and embrittlement of steel by neutron irradiation has a direct bearing on the integrity of pressure vessels in nuclear reactors.
"The US regulator issued guidance that some types of subsea bolts can be subject to hydrogen embrittlement and should be changed to other types that are not subject to the concern.
A spokesperson for BP said: "The US regulator issued guidance that some types of subsea bolts can be subject to hydrogen embrittlement and should be changed to other types that are not subject to the concern.
In one article Ms. Battin charged that "approximately 25percentt of the world's great collections are already brittle and turning to dust," and in 1989 she told Congress that embrittlement was "an unprecedented crisis".
