Effects of dynamic electropulsing on phase transformation of a zn-al based alloy

Abstract

The effects of dynamic electropulsing on phase transformations of the ZA22 alloy were studied during tensile deformation, by using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. It was found that electopulsing accelerated tremendously phase transformation in two stages, sequentially: (a) quenching from supersaturated state approaching the final stable state, and (b) up-quenching from the final stable state to a higher temperature state. The relationship between plasticity and the dynamic electropulsing is discussed from the point of view of Gibbs free energy, phase transformation and microstructual changes. © 2009 The Japan Institute of Metals.