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Examination and Analysis of 2 Pct Mg-55 Pct Al-1.6 Pct Si-Zn Coating on Steel

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Abstract

The current study was conducted to examine the microstructure of the 2 pct Mg-55 pct Al-1.6 pct Si-Zn (wt pct) coating on steel in detail and analyse the formation mechanisms of various reaction products in the coating. The coating microstructure was comprised of an α-Al dendrite framework, and an interdendritic network, occupied by a number of solidification products, which were fine Al-Zn mixtures, Mg2Si, Si, MgZn2, and lamellar MgZn2/Zn mixtures. It was found that the Al-Zn mixtures observed in the interdendritic region were the decomposition products of the high Zn α-Al components of various eutectic reactions taking place during solidification. A method was developed to differentiate the Si and Mg2Si phases optically with colour contrasts. It was found that, when Si and Mg2Si formed, they occupied the entire interdendritic spaces at the locations where they formed. Judging from the Al-Mg-Si liquidus projection, the Mg2Si phase should form first during solidification, followed by the simultaneous formation of Mg2Si and Si. On the other hand, the MgZn2 phase formed into two different morphologies, with a large blocky shape and fine precipitates embedded in the lamellar Zn/MgZn2 mixtures, both surrounded by Al-Zn mixtures. It was observed that all eutectic reactions involved the formation of an α-Al component, which formed in a divorced manner via either growing on existing dendrite arms, or sometimes as isolated islands embedded in blocky MgZn2.

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  1. Steel Research Australia, 20 The Crescent, Springvale, VIC, 3171, Australia

    Yisheng R. Chen

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Manuscript submitted March 21, 2020.

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Chen, Y.R. Examination and Analysis of 2 Pct Mg-55 Pct Al-1.6 Pct Si-Zn Coating on Steel. Metall Mater Trans A 51, 5758–5770 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11661-020-05983-y

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