The effect of electropulsing on the interlamellar spacing and mechanical properties of a hot-rolled 0.14% carbon steel

The application of electropulsing treatment to a low carbon ferritic-pearlitic steel is studied. The effect of electric current pulses on the interlamellar spacing of pearlite is investigated. It is found that the interlamellar spacing increases as the number of pulses increases. The mechanism of electropulse-effect was discussed by analysing the change in the free energy and the reduction of electrical resistance due to electropulsing. Mechanical properties are also examined for the samples with and without electropulsing treatment. It is shown that softening occurs during the treatment which is attributed to the formation of precipitation free zone (PFZ), increase in the value of interlamellar spacing and the spheroidization of the lamellar structure.