Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• Electroshock treatment (EST) induces phase transformation from acicular secondary αs to β phase in Ti−8Al−1Mo−1V alloy, with precipitation of acicular martensitic phase (αM) at 0.12 s. • EST refines the average grain size from 3.95 μm to 2.53 μm, accompanied by significant recrystallization and martensitic transformation. • EST leads to a more uniform texture distribution due to crystal orientation variations after phase transformation. • EST significantly enhances yield strength while reducing fracture strain, primarily attributed to martensitic phase precipitation.
Abstract
The effect mechanism of electroshock treatment (EST) on microstructure evolution and mechanical property variations of Ti−8Al−1Mo−1V alloy was investigated. The results show that EST results in the phase transformation from the acicular secondary αs to β phase. While the EST time is 0.12 s, the acicular martensitic phase (αM) precipitates. The results of electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) reveals that the average grain size decreases from 3.95 to 2.53 μm after EST, indicating that the grains are refined, and the significant recrystallization behavior and martensitic transformation occur. The orientation distribution reveals a more uniform distribution of texture, which is caused by the variation of crystal orientation after the phase transformation. The compression fracture behavior of materials indicates that EST significantly enhances the yield strength while reduces the fracture strain. The improvement of yield strength is mainly attributed to the precipitation of martensitic phase. All results indicate that EST is an effective approach for manipulating the microstructure and optimizing the texture distribution of titanium alloys.
1. Introduction
Titanium alloys are widely used in various fields such as petrochemicals, biomedical, and transportation due to their high specific strength and excellent corrosion resistance [1−5]. In particular, the specific strength of titanium alloys is required when the temperature exceeds 300 °C [6]. Typically, the microstructure of titanium alloys can be tuned via heat treatment and thermomechanical processes for further enhancing the mechanical properties [7]. YUMAK and ASLANTAS [8] improved the mechanical properties of metastable β titanium alloy through the application of heat treatment, such as aging treatment and cryogenic treatment. ELSHAER and IBRAHIM [9] found that the aging process following solution treatment can considerably enhance the wear resistance of TC21 alloy up to 122% compared to the annealed specimens. Heat treatment can modify the microstructure and improve the strength of titanium alloys, but these methods are time-consuming, ranging from several hours to even tens of hours [10,11].
In recent years, researchers have been attempting to find an efficient and convenient method to modify the microstructure and improve the mechanical properties. Electropulsing treatment is attracting much attention for its short duration, environmental friendliness, and non-polluting characteristics [12,13]. By accurately adjusting the current density, the microstructure optimization of materials can be achieved. The effects of electropulsing treatment on the microstructure variation of the Ti−6Al−4V (TC4) alloy have been investigated further [14−17]. GAO et al [18] have conducted the rapid hardening and softening of Ti−6Al−4V alloy under different discharge voltages by electropulsing treatment. Furthermore, it has been discovered that the refinement of grains was attributed to the ability of pulse current to reduce the thermodynamic barrier for the solid-state phase transformation from α to β.
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Jian ZHOU, Yu-peng YAO, Hong-xin SUN, Chang LIU, Yan WEN, Li-qiang WANG, Lai-chang ZHANG, Le-chun XIE, Lin HUA (2025). Effects of electroshock treatment on microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of Ti−8Al−1Mo−1V alloy. SinoTechIntel Verified Research. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1003-6326(25)66955-X
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is electroshock treatment (EST) and how does it affect Ti-8Al-1Mo-1V alloy?
Electroshock treatment (EST) is a rapid, energy-efficient method that applies high-density electric current pulses to modify material microstructure. In Ti-8Al-1Mo-1V alloy, EST induces phase transformation from acicular secondary αs to β phase, and at 0.12 s, precipitates acicular martensitic phase (αM). This leads to grain refinement (from 3.95 μm to 2.53 μm) and a more uniform texture distribution, significantly enhancing yield strength while reducing fracture strain.
How does electroshock treatment refine grains in titanium alloys?
EST refines grains by reducing the thermodynamic barrier for solid-state phase transformation from α to β, promoting recrystallization and martensitic transformation. The average grain size decreases from 3.95 μm to 2.53 μm after EST, as revealed by EBSD analysis.
What are the mechanical property changes after electroshock treatment?
EST significantly enhances yield strength but reduces fracture strain. The improvement in yield strength is mainly attributed to the precipitation of martensitic phase, which acts as a strengthening phase.
Is electroshock treatment an effective method for optimizing titanium alloy microstructure?
Yes, EST is an effective approach for manipulating microstructure and optimizing texture distribution in titanium alloys. It offers advantages of short duration, environmental friendliness, and non-polluting characteristics compared to conventional heat treatments.
What is the significance of texture distribution changes after EST?
EST leads to a more uniform distribution of texture, which is caused by the variation of crystal orientation after phase transformation. This uniformity can improve the isotropy of mechanical properties, making the alloy more reliable for engineering applications.
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