Recrystallized microstructure in cold worked brass produced by electropulsing treatment

Recrystallized microstructure and mechanical properties of a cold worked brass were studied. The results showed that smaller recrystallized grains could be obtained by using electropulsing; thus, mechanical properties of the material could be improved. The mechanism of formation of smaller recrystallized grains was discussed. It was thought that very short treating time, increased nucleation rate and retarded grain growth were the reasons for producing smaller grains by using electropulsing. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.