MICROSTRUCTURE AND MICROHARDNESS EVOLUTION OF COMMERCIALLY PURE NICKEL NP1 AFTER CRYOGENIC ROLLING AND ELECTROPULSE TREATMENT

Abstract

The present work investigates the influence of cryogenic rolling and subsequent electropulse treatment (EPT) on the microstructure and microhardness of commercially pure nickel NP1. Cryogenic rolling was applied to introduce severe plastic deformation and increase the density of crystal defects. The rolled specimens were subsequently subjected to electropulse treatment with different current densities. Microhardness measurements and Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) analysis were performed to evaluate structural evolution. The results demonstrated that cryogenic rolling significantly increased microhardness due to strain hardening, while electropulse treatment promoted recovery and recrystallization processes, resulting in a more homogeneous grain structure. The combined processing route provides an efficient method for tailoring the structural and mechanical properties of commercially pure nickel.