Huilgol, P.Udupa, K.R.Bhat, K.U.2026-02-052018Surface and Coatings Technology, 2018, 348, , pp. 22-302578972https://doi.org/10.1016/j.surfcoat.2018.05.013https://idr.nitk.ac.in/handle/123456789/25043The microstructure at the interface between AISI 321 stainless steel and molten aluminum was investigated which occurs during the process of hot-dip aluminizing. Microstructural characterization was carried out by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The study revealed the formation of metastable FeAl<inf>m</inf> and multiple twinned Al<inf>13</inf>Fe<inf>4</inf> phases at the interface between steel and aluminum. Multiple twinned Al<inf>13</inf>Fe<inf>4</inf> phase exhibits pseudo tenfold electron diffraction pattern. Another metastable phase Al<inf>3</inf>(NiFe) with an orthorhombic structure was formed as one of the eutectic phase mixture in the solidified aluminum topcoat. The Al<inf>3</inf>(NiFe) phase in the eutectic shares crystallographic orientation relationship with the Al matrix. Metastable intermetallic phases are being reported for the first time during hot-dip aluminizing. © 2018 Elsevier B.V.AluminumAluminum alloysAluminum coated steelBinary alloysEutecticsHigh resolution transmission electron microscopyInterfaces (materials)IntermetallicsMetastable phasesMicrostructurePhase interfacesScanning electron microscopyStainless steelTransmission electron microscopy321 Stainless SteelCrystallographic orientation relationshipsHot dip aluminizingIntermetallic phasisMetastable microstructureMicro-structural characterizationOrthorhombic structuresScanning electronsAustenitic stainless steel