Effect of silicon on the microstructure and growth kinetics of intermetallic phases formed during hot-dip aluminizing of ferritic steel

- Microstructure of hot-dip aluminized steel with rising Si content was investigated.
- Si addition caused a reduction in η phase thickness and formation of ternary phases.
- In the θ and η phase were respectively micro twins and a wavy structure observed.
- Growth kinetics were investigated by dipping at various temperatures and times.
- Activation energy for the η phase decreased with rising Si content in the Al bath.