Control of intermetallic compound layers at interface between steel and aluminum by diffusion-treatment

The toughening of Fe–Al intermetallic compound coating formed by aluminizing of carbon steel was investigated. The growth mechanism, morphology and mechanical properties of Fe–Al intermetallic compound layers on the surface of carbon steel were systematically evaluated for specimens diffused at temperatures ranging from 873 to 1323 K after hot dip aluminizing. Fe2Al5 was mainly formed on the specimen surfaces at the usual diffusion temperatures from 873 to 923 K. However, FeAl and Fe3Al layers having relatively high fracture resistance and oxidation resistance properties were preferentially formed in the specimens diffused at temperatures greater than 1273 K. The activation energies required for the growth of the FeAl and Fe3Al layers were QFeAl=180 and QFe3Al=260 kJ mol−1, respectively. It was identified that the formation and growth of Fe–Al intermetallic compound layers is controlled by the diffusion of Fe atoms into the intermetallic compound layers.