Behavior of Graphite and Formation of Intermetallic Compound Layer in Hot Dip Aluminizing of Cast Iron

Abstract

Hot dip aluminizing (HDA) is widely used in industry for improving corrosion resistance of material. The formation of intermetallic compound layers during the contact between dissimilar materials at high temperature is common phenomenon. Generally, intermetallic compound layers of Fe 2 Al 5 and FeAl 3 are formed at the Al alloy and Fe substrate interface. In case of cast iron, high contact angle of graphite existed in the matrix inhibits the formation of intermetallic compound layer, which carry with it the disadvantage of a reduced reaction area and mechanical properties. In present work, the process for the removal of graphite existed on the surface of specimen has been investigated. And also HDA was proceeded at 800 o C for 3 minutes in aluminum alloy melt. The efficiency of graphite removal was increased with the reduction of particle size in sanding process. Graphite appears to be present both in the region of melting followed by re-solidification and in the intermetallic compound layer, which could be attributed to the fact that the surface of cast iron is melted down by the formation of low melting point phase with the diffusion of Al and Si to the cast iron. Intermetallic compound layer consisted of Fe(Al,Si) 3 and Fe 2 Al 5 Si, the layer formed at cast iron side contained lower amount of Si.