Effects of Pulsed Current on the Static Recrystallization Behavior of Cold-Rolled 304 Stainless-Steel Ultrathin Strips

In the present study, the effects of pulsed current on the microstructure and mechanical properties of cold-rolled 304 stainless-steel ultrathin strips are examined by designing a comparative experiment of pulsed current treatments and heat treatments. At the same treatment temperature and time, the recrystallization degree of the sample after the pulsed current treatment is significantly higher than that after the heat-treatment process. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the pulsed current-treated sample at 710 degrees C for 5 min are similar to those of the heat-treated sample at 810 degrees C for 1 h. The pulsed current causes the sample to recrystallize at a lower temperature in a shorter time. The electrical effect of the pulsed current provides additional energy for the deformed sample, reduces the energy barrier of recrystallization, and reduces the recrystallization temperature of the sample. The pulsed current increases the vacancy diffusion flux inside the sample, promotes atomic diffusion and dislocation movements, accelerates the recrystallization rate, and shortens the recrystallization time.