Hydrogen (H) testing and determination in titanium according to ASTM E1447
Would you like to measure hydrogen (h) in your titanium materials according to ASTM E1447?
What is ASTM E1447?
The ASTM E1447 standard describes standard test methods for determining hydrogen in titanium and titanium alloys using the inert gas fusion infrared thermal conductivity detection method.
When carry testing according to ASTM E1447?
As part of quality control, regulatory compliance, or following a product failure, you need to validate the hydrogen (H) content of your titanium materials according to ASTM E1447.
Why measure hydrogen (h) in titanium?
Measuring hydrogen during a titanium testing is important to ensure the quality and properties of the final material. Titanium and its alloys are widely used in applications such as aerospace and the chemical industry, where structural integrity and performance are of paramount importance.
Hydrogen can cause titanium embrittlement. This increased brittleness can lead to fractures or cracks under loads or stresses that would normally be supported by unaffected material.
Hydrogen can cause titanium embrittlement. This increased brittleness can lead to fractures or cracks under loads or stresses that would normally be supported by unaffected material.
Even at low concentrations, hydrogen can affect titanium’s mechanical properties, such as ductility, fatigue strength, and elasticity. Monitoring hydrogen levels helps ensure that the material retains the mechanical properties required for its specific application.
Even at low concentrations, hydrogen can affect titanium’s mechanical properties, such as ductility, fatigue strength, and elasticity. Monitoring hydrogen levels helps ensure that the material retains the mechanical properties required for its specific application.
For specific applications, titanium must meet strict specifications, including permissible hydrogen levels. Measuring hydrogen is therefore an important aspect of quality control, ensuring that the material complies with industry standards and performance requirements.
For specific applications, titanium must meet strict specifications, including permissible hydrogen levels. Measuring hydrogen is therefore an important aspect of quality control, ensuring that the material complies with industry standards and performance requirements.
FILAB supports you with hydrogen (H) testing of your titanium materials according to ASTM E1447
Why choose the FILAB laboratory for hydrogen testing in titanium?
FILAB has several elemental analyzers for quantifying hydrogen (H) content in your titanium materials according to ASTM E1447, using inert gas fusion with thermal conductivity / infrared detection (elemental analyzer).
With its highly skilled multidisciplinary team, the FILAB laboratory offers a wide range of elemental metallurgical testing services in accordance with applicable regulations (ASTM, etc.) to test all your titanium raw materials and finished products.
Our technical resources for titanium testing
For laboratory titanium testing according to ASTM E1447, several technical instruments are used to ensure accurate characterization that complies with the relevant standards.
The main resources available at the FILAB laboratory include:
Spectrometers: ICP-OES / ICP-MS:
detailed chemical analysis: detecting trace elements and impurities.
Inert fusion gas analyzers
measuring hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen contents
SEM-EDX
providing an in-depth view of the microstructure and identifying defects and inclusions
TGA
thermal analysis
DSC
thermogravimetric analysis
These state-of-the-art instruments provide the technical foundation for precise and reliable titanium testing, ensuring its quality and compliance for demanding applications. Measuring hydrogen during a titanium testing is essential to prevent embrittlement and ensure that the material’s mechanical properties remain optimal for its intended application.
Our services
Hydrogen (H) measurement in titanium according to ASTM E1447 using an N/O/H analyzer or hydrogen analyzer
Oxygen (O) measurement in titanium using an N/O or N/O/H analyzer
Testing of metal alloys for material compliance
Other ASTM standards carried out at FILAB
Through its three service levels—analysis, expertise, and R&D support—the FILAB laboratory assists companies of all sizes and from every sector in resolving their industrial challenges, providing clients with the know-how and experience of its team.
Our FAQ
In industry, titaniumtesting helps guarantee the quality and performance of this material, as well as its compliance with the required standards, given its use in fields where reliability is critical, such as aerospace and biomedicine.
There are several types of titanium analysis. Titanium analysis may include:
- chemical analysis, to identify and quantify elements such as impurities and gases—hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen levels—that affect mechanical properties,
- microstructure analysis, to identify and characterize defects or inclusions,
- mechanical testing, such as tensile and hardness tests, which assess strength and durability;
- thermal analysis and surface characterization, which make it possible to study mass changes and the chemical composition of the surface.
These laboratory analysis are fundamental to product development, quality control, and innovation, ensuring that the titanium used in specific applications meets the high performance and safety standards required.
Although it is the lightest element, hydrogen has a major impact on the mechanical properties of titanium. Above a certain threshold—often set at 125 or 150 ppm depending on the grade—it causes a phenomenon known as hydrogen embrittlement. This results in the formation of brittle titanium hydrides within the structure, which can lead to sudden and unpredictable failure of components under stress.
The ASTM E1447 standard describes the measurement method based on inert-gas fusion with thermal conductivity detection.
- The titanium sample is placed in a graphite crucible.
It is heated to a very high temperature under a flow of inert gas (argon).
- The hydrogen is extracted from the metal in gaseous form (H2).
The gas is measured using a thermal conductivity cell, providing an accurate concentration in ppm (parts per million) or weight percentage.
These two standards are often complementary but address different elements:
ASTM E1447: concerns exclusively the measurement of hydrogen (H).
ASTM E1409: concerns the measurement of oxygen (O) and nitrogen (N).
The FILAB laboratory generally uses simultaneous fusion analyzers to cover both standards during the same testing campaign.
The method applies to almost all forms of titanium used in the space and aerospace industries:
bars and billets (incoming inspection).
finished machined parts.
powders for additive manufacturing (3D printing).
machining chips or production scrap for recycling.
