The concept of recrystallization in metals involves the nucleation of strain-free grains within cold-worked materials, driven by dislocation density. Cold working increases dislocation density, which in turn raises the elastic energy of the material. Recrystallization occurs to lower the Gibbs Free Energy of the system. Various models, including subgrain coalescence for deformed single crystals, have been proposed to explain this complex phenomenon, although a complete mechanistic understanding remains elusive.
PREREQUISITESMaterials scientists, metallurgists, and engineers interested in the mechanical properties and processing of metals will benefit from this discussion on recrystallization.