Influence of an external electric field on the microstructure of superplastically deformed 7475 Al

An externally applied electric field retarded strain-enhanced grain growth and promoted dynamic recrystallization during superplastic deformation of 7475 Al. Also, a more extensive dispersoid-free zone was observed in specimens deformed in the electric field, suggesting that the electric field increased the contribution of diffusion creep to superplastic deformation. The electric field promoted the coarsening of dispersoids, especially in the vicinity of the grain boundaries. Possible mechanisms for the observed effects are discussed.