A quantitative analysis of hydriding kinetics of magnesium in a Mg/Mg₂Cu eutectic alloy

Comparing the hydriding kinetic equations of magnesium derived from a theoretical model with the experiemental data published by Karty et al. [1], the kinetic mechanism of the hydriding reaction of magnesium in a Mg/Mg₂Cu eutectic alloy is analysed. As the eutectic structure of the alloy has the uniform interlamellar spacing of 1 Μm, one-dimensional growth of the hydride phase is assumed for the Mg₂Cu-catalysed magnesium. The concurrent hydriding reactions of the vapour-deposited pure magnesium as well as Mg₂Cu-catalysed magnesium are discussed. In both cases, the diffusion of hydrogen through the hydride phase is the rate-controlling step. Quantitative equations for the reaction and the effective particle size of pure magnesium are given, which can be used for reactor design.