Diffusion of Aluminum Into Steel Substrates By Means Of Hot Dip Aluminizing

Surface coating is an efficient and economical method to obtain desirable material surfaces properties. As compared to other coating techniques, hot dip coating can be considered as the most economical way to protect steel surfaces. Hot dip aluminizing technique was investigated in this study. Experiments have been conducted on the mild steel substrates with 10mm diameter. The substrates were dipped into the molten aluminum maintained at temperature 750'C for 5,10,15,20, 25 and 30 minutes. Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were used in this investigation. From the microstructure observation, it showed the appearance of intermetallic layer covered by the top layer of Al on the mild steel substrate increased with the increase in dipping time. The result of EDX analysis revealed the existence of Fe and Al in form of new Al- Fe phase. This indicated the possible formation of the intermetallic layers.