Enhanced recovery and recrystallization of metals due to an applied current

The influence of an applied current on the recovery and recrystallization of pure Cu has been investigated. By comparing samples heated by the Joule effect with those heated in a salt bath, it is shown than recovery and recrystallization are greatly accelerated by the current. At low temperatures, where only recovery occurs during conventional thermal treatments, fully recrystallized microstructures are obtained when the heating is applied through the Joule effect.