Microstructure of coupled Al/gray cast iron obtained by molding and its effect on mass loss

This study aims to consolidate the surface of gray cast iron with aluminum deposition by developing a method that combines the preparation and surface treatment in a single operation. The effect of the wall thickness of the castings on the microstructure of the formed layers was studied, and two thicknesses, 8 mm and 25 mm, were studied. The formation of a continuous and homogeneous rich aluminum layer on the surface of the cast iron was observed. The formed layer is composed of two successive zones identified as two proeutectoid phases FeAl+FeAl/FeAl2 and single-phase FeAl, which significantly increases the surface hardness. Furthermore, this change in surface composition makes it possible to reduce the mass of the immersed samples in a 1 M hydrochloric acid solution during different exposure times (1 to 4 days). Consequently, a clear improvement in the corrosion resistance of the treated layers is highlighted.