Effect of electropulsing on recrystallization of Fe-3%Si alloy strip

Recrystallization and microstructural changes of an electropulsing treated (EPT) Fe-3%Si alloy strip were studied using optical microscopy and electron backscattering diffraction (EBSD) techniques. Microstructural evolution and misorientation angle distribution were detected during recrystallization in both EPT and traditional heat treated (THT) alloy specimens. The results indicate electropulsing tremendously accelerated movement of dislocation and vacancies, which is in favors of recrystallization. The temperature of recrystallization was reduced. A sufficient high temperature became a dominant factor in speeding up recrystallization. The mechanism of electropulsing induced recrystallization is discussed from the point view of dislocation dynamics, microstructural changes and electropulsing kinetics. © 2010 The Japan Institute of Metals.