First-principles analysis of the stability and hydrogen adsorption properties of the α-Ti/α₂-Ti₃Al interface towards clarified hydrogen embrittlement mechanism of titanium alloys

First-principles calculations were employed to investigate the adsorption and diffusion energy of hydrogen (H) in the Ti/Ti₃Al binary system, along with the evolution of the interfacial stability induced by the presence of H. The penetration energy barrier indicates that H can more easily penetrate the substrate through the Ti/Ti₃Al interface. The formation energy of H increases with distance from the interface and the Ti/Ti₃Al interface acts as a sink for trapping hydrogen interstitials. When all interstitial sites are completely occupied by H, the cleavage energy along the interface decreases from 1.935 to 1.094 J/m², suggesting that H doping significantly reduces the strength of the Ti-Ti₃Al (01–10) interface. When the area density of H-doping at the interface exceeds 0.37 atoms/Ų, the α-Ti lattice expands. Consistent with experimental observations, this triggers atomic migration and the generation of Ti-hydrides. Further analysis of the atomic structure and Bader charge transfers indicate that the interaction of Ti and H can alter the localized electronic structure of Al, leading to a weakened interface due to loss of interface bond strength. In summary, the theoretical calculations have provided new insights into possible hydrogen embrittlement (HE) mechanism in titanium alloys.