The "helium blanketing effect (HBE)" which is a common phenomenon observed in the adsorption of Tritium by hydrogen storage materials

such as LaNi5 xAlx

has been investigated. By the experiment of hydrogen absorption the "bulk flow" model proposed by Ortman was verified. In order to know the mechanism of HBE surface analyses were performed. The results indicate that there is no measurable electronic interaction between the Ar+ and the hydrogen storage materials. A two-step model

bulk flow and diffusion flow

of hydrogen absorption has been proposed by the authors to describe the whole absorption process. The experimental data can be fitted and explained by this model successfully.