Interface properties and phase formation between surface coated SKD61 and aluminum alloys

The intermediate phase formation and surface protection effects between SKD61 die mold alloys and aluminum alloys were investigated during a simulated die-casting process. The surface coatings of SKD61 alloy were carried out via Si pack cementation coatings at 900 °C for 10 h and the ɛ-FeSi phase formed. When the coated SKD61 alloy was dipped in the liquid aluminum alloy (ALDC12), the surface coated SKD61 alloys showed better surface properties compared with uncoated SKD61 alloys, i.e., the intermediate phases (FeSiAl compound) were not produced for the coated SKD61 alloy. The coating layer of ɛ-FeSi served as a diffusion barrier for the formation of FeSiAl compounds.