Influences of Coating Type on Microstructure and Strength of Aluminum–Steel Bimetal Composite Interface

• Published in: International journal of metalcasting 2022-04, Vol.16 (2), p.689-698
• Main Authors: Tavakoli, A. Manzari, Nami, B., Malekan, M., Khoubrou, I.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Chemistry and Materials Science; Materials Science; Metallic Materials; Structural Materials; Technical Paper
• ISSN: 1939-5981; 2163-3193
• DOI: 10.1007/s40962-021-00630-7

The present study is aimed to investigate the effects of zinc electroplated coating and hot dipping at 480 °C on the microstructure and mechanical properties of pure aluminum/40NiCrMo2-2 steel bimetal interface produced by compound casting at 780 °C. Accordingly, microstructural studies and interface shear strength were determined using optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, and push-out test. Results showed that the interface layer in all the samples, independent from the coating type, is composed of two sub-layers of Fe 2 Al 5 and FeAl 3 . Furthermore, the linear analysis results and elemental distribution map of the interface indicated that no considerable amount of zinc was present in the interface of the samples. Based on the results, the maximum strength was related to the electroplated sample with the value of 45.1 MPa, while the hot-dipped sample had the strength of 37.5 MPa, which was attributed to the formation of interface layer with less defects in the electroplated sample.