Realizing recrystallization-stabilization temperature range inversion in high Mg content Al alloys via pulsed electric current

A longstanding challenge with high Mg content Al alloys is the trade-off between corrosion resistance and strength, because the stabilization temperature is lower than the recrystallization temperature corresponding to a no stabilization temperature range. Herein, a stabilization temperature range is found with an excellent match of strength and corrosion resistance of high Mg content Al alloy via pulsed electric current. The stimulated atomic diffusion rate resulted in discontinuous grain boundary precipitates, along with a lower electric wind force development rate to maintain dislocation strengthening. These results provide insights into developing high-performance Al-Mg alloys by the pulsed electric field treatment. IMPACT STATEMENT The pulsed electric current treatment provides a new measure to develop high-performance Al alloys with high Mg content, improving the corrosion resistance while ensuring dislocation strengthening.