Source: wikibot/liquid-metal-embrittlement

= Liquid metal embrittlement
{wiki=Liquid_metal_embrittlement}

Liquid metal embrittlement (LME) is a phenomenon that occurs when certain metals become brittle upon exposure to specific liquid metals at elevated temperatures. This embrittlement primarily affects alloys, leading to a significant reduction in ductility and toughness, which can result in catastrophic failure under stress. LME most commonly involves the interaction of liquid metals such as zinc, lead, or mercury with materials like aluminum, steel, or alloys of these metals.