Mechanical Properties and Microstructure Evolution of Pre-stretched Aluminum Alloy After Induced Electro-Pulsing Treatment

In this study, the effect of induced electro-pulsing treatment (IEPT) on the microstructure evolution and corresponding changes in the mechanical properties of pre-stretched 5052-O aluminum alloy was investigated. Microstructural changes in the alloy were observed using electron backscatter diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The application of induced current significantly reduced the yield strength of pre-stretched specimens while the elongation increased. In terms of microstructure, more uniformly distributed dimples were observed after induced current application, which indicate the increased plasticity of the alloy. The average grain size and number of low angle grain boundaries increased with application of induced current. The texture types did not change, however, the cube-type texture became less pronounced, whereas brass-type and copper-type textures were enhanced. Furthermore, the dislocation density decreased and dislocation rearrangement occurred. Thus, IEPT provides a new way to alter the microstructure and mechanical properties of the deformed components. Graphical Abstract