Non-deformation recrystallization of metal with electric current stressing

Recrystallization can be achieved by annealing or electric pulse treatment of plastically deformed metals. The deformation produces a high dislocation density to facilitate nucleation. The present study, however, reports that direct electric current stressing can produce high dislocation density in metals, as revealed by EBSD and high resolution TEM analysis. Recrystallization of brass was thus triggered in situ by the generated Joule heat. The microstructure variations, grain refining, and microhardness of the brass were investigated after non-deformation recrystallization. A 75% improvement in grain size refinement and a 28% enhancement in microhardness in comparison with the annealed as-prepared specimen was achieved with a 4 h, 10 cycle current stressing-quench treatment at a current density of 14000 A/cm².