Combination of cryogenic deformation and electropulse processing as a way to produce ultrafine-grain metals

The data of a comparative analysis of the structure and hardness of pure metals with a face-centered cubic lattice – aluminum, nickel and copper, subjected to complex thermomechanical treatment (TMT), including isothermal cryogenic rolling at liquid nitrogen temperature and subsequent high-density electropulse treatment (EPT) were presented. The main stages, features and advantages of TMT, which first ensure strong work hardening of the processed material due to deformation at low temperatures and then its ultra-fast contact electropulse heating up to a specified temperature, were considered. A multi-level analysis of the metals structure evolution due to TMT was carried out using modern methods of scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffractometry, recording a wide range of its linear and angular parameters. The kinetics and nature of the processes of the metals structure evolution under cryogenic rolling and EPT, their driving forces and controlling factors, as well as general patterns and temperature intervals of activation of the deformation structure recovery and recrystallization influenced by an electric pulse are identified and discussed. Based on the results of the analysis of the structural and mechanical behaviour of metals, it was concluded that the combination of severe plastic cryogenic deformation and a single-step treatment with ultrashort alternating current pulses is an effective way to obtain semi-finished products with controlled parameters of their structure and properties, including high-strength ultrafine-grain rolled products. At that the phenomenology and nature of the strengthening/softening of metals during cryogenic rolling and subsequent electropulsing are similar to those observed under cold rolling and furnace annealing.