The effects of dynamic electropulsing on phase transformations of the ZA22 alloy were studied during tensile deformation, by using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. It was found that electopulsing accelerated tremendously phase transformation in two stages, sequentially: (a) quenching from supersaturated state approaching the final stable state, and (b) up-quenching from the final stable state to a higher temperature state. The relationship between plasticity and the dynamic electropulsing is discussed from the point of view of Gibbs free energy, phase transformation and microstructual changes.

Effects of static electropulsing on microstructure and elongation of the ZA 22 alloy were studied by using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy techniques. It was found that the current density of electropulsing treatment (EPT) was one of the factors that influenced microstructural changes and dislocation structure in the EPT alloy. The identity of the microstructure and the dislocation density played an important role in plastic elongation of the EPT alloy. The effects of the current density of electropulsing on elongation of the alloy were discussed from the point of view of microstructural evolution and dislocation dynamics.

Single-phase nanocrystalline Co9S8 was prepared by hydrothermal treatment of Co(Ac)2 and NH2CSNH2 in hydrazine solution at 170 °C. The products were characterized by x-ray powder diffraction (XRD) technique, transmission electron microscope (TEM), and wet chemical analysis. XRD indicated the product was the cubic Co9S8 phase. The relative crystallite size was 6.3 nm as determined by the Scherrer method. TEM images showed the particles were agglomerative. The electron diffraction pattern also revealed their nanocrystalline nature. In this hydrothermal formation process of Co9S8, hydrazine was a critical factor. The formation process is discussed.