Enhanced oxidation resistance of an AlSi alloy coating via Cr barrier layer insertion

Abstract

A novel Cr barrier layer was designed for suppressing the interdiffusion of an AlSi alloy coating on stainless steel. Without a Cr barrier layer, the same coating experienced a severe element interdiffusion upon exposure to high-temperature air. The rapid upward movement of the Fe atoms induced the formation of the (FeAl + Fe2Al5) alloy compounds and eventually led to severe volume shrinkage and the ultimate fracture of coating. The significant downward diffusion of the (Al + Si) atoms not only triggered numerous pores but also induced the accumulation of the FeAl alloy compound in the substrate resulting in extreme interfacial cracking. In contrast, a diffusion barrier layer comprising (Cr2O3 + SiO2) and Al2O3 was formed in the coating with a Cr layer during high-temperature exposure, effectively preventing the rapid elemental interdiffusion. Moreover, it inhibited the formation of the (FeAl + Fe2Al5) alloy compounds in the coating as well as prevented the accumulation of the FeAl in the substrate. The obvious upward diffusion of Cr atoms further healed these pores induced by the downward diffusion of (Al + Si) atoms. The strong barrier capability of this composite oxide layer and the healing effect of Cr diffusion eventually led to an improved oxidation resistance of the Cr-coated layer.