Rapid grain refinement of 2024 Al alloy through recrystallization induced by electropulsing

The hot rolled 2024 Al alloy subjected to electropulsing was investigated in this study. The results show that the electropulsing treated sample with optimized parameter exhibits notable improvement of mechanical properties and greatly refined microstructure. The main grain refinement mechanism is recognized as rapid recrystallization under EPT. It is a promising method of processing techniques to optimize the mechanical behavior. •The electropulsing was conducted on the hot rolled 2024 Al alloys.•The electropulsing remarkably improved the mechanical properties and microstructrue..•The mechanism of the grain refinement was regarded as the rapid recrystallization.