A Review of Liquid Metal Embrittlement: Cracking Open the Disparate Mechanisms

The article delves into the intricate mechanisms of liquid metal embrittlement, a critical issue in fields where liquid metals are used. It discusses the historical observations of embrittlement in various metals and alloys, highlighting the complexities and variabilities in experimental results. The authors propose a new classification of embrittlement mechanisms into three categories: crack initiation at the liquid-solid interface, grain boundary penetration, and corrosion-type processes. Each mechanism is described in detail, along with the specific conditions that influence their occurrence. The review also explores the chemical specificity of liquid metal embrittlement and the dependence of embrittlement on various experimental variables. The authors emphasize the need for a predictive framework that considers intrinsic chemical susceptibility and other factors. The article concludes by summarizing the current state of research and suggesting future directions to better understand and predict liquid metal embrittlement.