Iron aluminides are still deeply investigated materials for their use in power plants, automotive and chemical industry, and other sectors. This paper shows that it is possible to strongly improve their oxidation behavior by the addition of silicon. The description of the synergic effect of aluminum and silicon on the oxidation behavior of Fe-Al-Si alloys at 800 °C in air is presented. The oxidation rate, microstructure, phase, and chemical composition of these ternary alloys are compared with the binary Fe-Al and Fe-Si alloys. Results showed that the oxidation of Fe-Al-Si ternary alloys provides an oxide layer based on aluminum oxide with a low concentration of iron and silicon. Below this oxide layer, there is a layer of silicides formed as a result of depletion by aluminum, which forms a secondary oxidation protection.
Keywords: Fe–Al–Si alloy; iron aluminide; iron silicide; oxidation.