Rapid precipitation of T-phase in the 2024 aluminum alloy via cyclic electropulsing treatment

The effect of cyclic electropulsing treatment on the microstructure, conductivity and mechanical properties of 2024 Al alloy was investigated in this study. The result shows that electropulsing with an optimized parameter makes the Al alloy exhibit better conductivity and mechanical property as compared to a non-electropulsed sample. The microstructure examinations indicate that the improved conductivity and mechanical behavior can be attributed to the rapid precipitation of T-phase particles surrounded by dislocation loops under electropulsing.