Impact of the pulse induced current on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the 7075-T6 aluminum alloy

Abstract

The effect of the pulse induced current on the mechanical properties and microstructure of the 7075-T6 aluminum alloy was thoroughly studied by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and electron backscattered diffraction measurements. The experimental results demonstrated that the strength of the alloy decreases slightly, whereas the elongation increases significantly. On top of that, after the application of the induced electro-pulsing treatment, the dislocation density of the alloy decreases, while the grain size and the second phase particles grow slightly. In addition, the induced current also causes the Cube, Copper and S textures to decrease. On the other hand, the Goss texture is enhanced. The current density and the local temperature distribution of the sample were simulated by employing the ANSYS software. From the acquired outcomes, we can draw the conclusion that the recorded changes in the mechanical properties and microstructure of our sample can be attributed to the combination of the joule phenomenon and the pure electric effects of the current. The Joule heat and current increase the vacancy concentration and diffusion coefficient of solute atoms and promote dislocation recovery, precipitation phase growth, and grain rotation. • Induced electro-pulsing treatment (IEPT) is used to change the properties of 7075-T6 aluminum alloy. • After IEPT, the plasticity of the alloy is significantly improved while the strength is slightly decreased. • It is found that induced current can reduce dislocation density, promote grain rotation and change texture type.