Reduction in mechanical properties of a metal as a result of local penetration of solder along grain boundaries.

Having an affinity for water. Contrast with hydrophobic.

An atom, or group of atoms, that has gained or lost one or more outer electrons and thus carries an electric charge. Positive ions, or cations, are deficient in outer electrons. Negative ions, or anions, have an excess of outer electrons.

A plot of r urrent density versus electrode potential for a specific electrode-electrolyte combination.

The ability of a metal to absorb energy and deform plastically before fracturing.

Between crystals or grains. Also called intercrystalline. Contrast with transgranular.

Same as hydrogen embrittlement.

Changes in contour or discontinuities in structure that cause local increases in stress.

Water that is free of magnesium or calcium salts.

(1) Decomposition or alteration of a chemical substance by water. (2) In aqueous solutions of electrolytes, the reactions of cations with water to produce a weak base or of anions to produce a weak acid.

Stress-corrosion cracking in which the cracking occurs along grain boundaries.

See transgranular.

The spontaneous chipping, fragmentation, or separation of a surtace or surface coating.

Threshold stress-intensity factor for stress-corrosion cracking. The critical plane-strain stress intensity at the onset of stress-corrosion cracking under specified conditions.

The severe loss of ductility or toughness or both, of a material, usually a metal or alloy. Many forms of embrittlement can lead to brittle fracture. Many forms can occur during thermal treatment or elevated temperature service (thermally induced embrittl ...