Effect Of Heat Treatment On The Corrosion Resistance Of Aluminized Steel Strips

Abstract

The paper presents the results of corrosion resistance of heat treated aluminized steel strips. Products coated by Al-10Si alloy are used among others in a manufacturing process of welded pipes as the elements of the car exhaust systems, working in high temperatures and different environments (eg. wet, salty). The strips and tubes high performance requirements are applied to stability, thickness and roughness of Al-Si coating, adhesion and corrosion resistance. Tubes working in elements of exhaust systems in a wide range of temperatures are exposed to the effects of many aggressive factors, such as salty snow mud. It was therefore decided to carry out research on the impact of corrosion on the environmental influence on heat treated aluminized steel strips. The heat treatment was carried out temperatures in the range 250-700°C for 30, 180, 1440 minutes. Then the coatings was subjected to cyclic impact of snow mud. Total duration of treatment was 12 months and it was divided into three stages of four months and at the end of each stage was made the assessment of factor of corrosion. The results are presented in the form of macroscopic, microscopic (using a scanning electron microscope) observations and the degree and type of rusty coating.