A model for the decomposition of titanium hydride and magnesium hydride

► Decomposition of titanium hydride and magnesium hydride is studied. ► Hydride particle decomposition model is based on shrinking core concept. ► Outer metal oxide layer is considered rate limiting for hydrogen diffusion. ► Thermal analysis experiments support the model at low heating rates. This work presents a theoretical model of metal hydride particle decomposition with particular relation to titanium hydride and magnesium hydride. The model is based on the shrinking core approach, revealing the variation of major parameters such as temperature and hydrogen fraction with time. An experimental effort aimed at examining the theoretical model includes TGA–DTA tests of hydride particle decomposition in argon atmosphere. The model predictions reveal good agreement with the experiments.