Brittlifying

Brittlifying is the process of making a material or substance more brittle. This typically involves altering the material's internal structure or composition, resulting in a reduced ability to deform under stress before fracturing. This can be achieved through various mechanisms, including introducing imperfections, changing the crystal structure, or altering the material's temperature. The degree of brittlifying can range from a slight reduction in ductility to a complete loss of flexibility, rendering the material prone to sudden breakage. Common materials subjected to brittlifying include metals, plastics, and ceramics. The opposite effect is referred to as toughening, or making a material more resilient and less prone to breaking. The process is usually unwanted when it affects the integrity of an item.

Brittlifying meaning with examples

• Overexposure to ultraviolet light can brittlify plastic components, leading to cracks and eventual failure. The prolonged sun exposure weakens the polymer chains, diminishing the material's ability to absorb impact and resist deformation, leaving the plastic brittle and susceptible to breakage during normal handling or use.
• The embrittling effect of hydrogen on certain steels is well documented. Hydrogen atoms penetrate the metal lattice, reducing its cohesive strength. This brittlifying phenomenon can make the steel extremely vulnerable to fractures even under relatively low stress levels, posing a significant safety risk in pipelines.
• Repeated heating and cooling cycles in a furnace can brittlify the ceramic lining, leading to its eventual crumbling. The thermal stress creates microscopic cracks and weakens the bonds between ceramic grains, making the material prone to shattering and potentially impacting the efficiency of the appliance.
• The long-term storage of rubber components, such as seals and gaskets, in an environment with high ozone concentrations can cause brittlifying. The ozone attacks the rubber's molecular structure, cross-linking the chains and increasing the rigidity to make it rigid, causing cracking and allowing leaks of the component.