Abstract
The technology of high-density electropulsing has been applied to increase the performance of metallic materials since the 1990s and has shown significant advantages over traditional heat treatment in many aspects. However, the microstructure changes in electropulsing treatment (EPT) metals and alloys have not been fully explored, and the effects vary significantly on different material. When high-density electrical pulses are applied to metals and alloys, the input of electric energy and thermal energy generally leads to structural rearrangements, such as dynamic recrystallization, dislocation movements and grain refinement. The enhanced mechanical properties of the metals and alloys after high-density electropulsing treatment are reflected by the significant improvement of elongation. As a result, this technology holds great promise in improving the deformation limit and repairing cracks and defects in the plastic processing of metals. This review summarizes the effect of high-density electropulsing treatment on microstructural properties and, thus, the enhancement in mechanical strength, hardness and corrosion performance of metallic materials. It is noteworthy that the change of some properties can be related to the structure state before EPT (quenched, annealed, deformed or others). The mechanisms for the microstructural evolution, grain refinement and formation of oriented microstructures of different metals and alloys are presented. Future research trends of high-density electrical pulse technology for specific metals and alloys are highlighted.
Highlights
High-density electropulsing treatment (EPT), known as high density electric current pulse (ECP) treatment [1], is a new microstructure strengthen approach that applies a high density of electric current pulse to a bulk material in a short duration
EPT has been applied to many metals and alloys to achieve ultrafine-grained microstructure and nanostructures that arise from the solid state phase transitions and the process of recovery and recrystallization during their treatment
Previous studies have indicated that solid phase transition induced by EPT plays an important role in the formation of ultra-fine grain (UFG) structure and even nanostructure [73]
Summary
High-density electropulsing treatment (EPT), known as high density electric current pulse (ECP) treatment [1], is a new microstructure strengthen approach that applies a high density of electric current pulse to a bulk material in a short duration. The influence of electropulsing on the properties and performance of metallic materials depends on their original microstructure, crystal orientation, crystallinity and the degree of deformation. By combining EPT with other material processing techniques, such as conventional heat treatment [44], high energy electron beam treatment [45] and ultrasonic shock treatment [46,47], enhanced material properties and performance could be achieved, including improved dynamic ductility of alloys due to the formation of ultra-fine grains microstructure and higher surface quality of alloys [48,49,50]. (iii) the effect of additional free energy and current on the movement of electrons; and (iv) the induced thermal stress to different degrees. The theory of EPT and the influence of processing conditions on the properties of materials are discussed and further research directions in this field are prospected
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