Fe2Al5 Intermediate Layer for Zinc-Aluminum-Magnesium Coating Defects

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Hot-dip coated steel products with zinc-aluminum-magnesium coatings often exhibit a high number of surface defects, such as the Tannenbaum type, which weaken the corrosion protection and aesthetics of the coating.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an intermediate layer with Fe2Al5 crystals of an average crystal grain diameter greater than 200 nm between the steel substrate and the zinc-aluminum-magnesium coating, which acts as an adhesion promoter and prevents iron diffusion, reducing the occurrence of surface defects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a zinc-aluminum-magnesium coating is applied to steel products by hot-dip coating, then corrosion protection is improved, but surface defects such as Tannenbaum type defects increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrosion protectionVSAvoidsurface quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

An intermediate layer comprising Fe2Al5 crystals with a mean crystal grain diameter of more than 200 nm is introduced between the steel substrate and the zinc-aluminum-magnesium coating. This intermediate layer acts as a mediator that promotes adhesion and prevents iron diffusion, thereby reducing surface defects while maintaining corrosion protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mean crystal grain diameter of Fe2Al5 crystals in the intermediate layer is controlled to be more than 200 nm. By changing this critical parameter (crystal grain size), the coating quality is improved, reducing surface defects such as Tannenbaum type defects while preserving the protective function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If the thickness of the metal coating is reduced to maintain corrosion resistance, then material usage is optimized, but surface defects become more prominent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoating thicknessVSAvoidsurface quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The intermediate layer with Fe2Al5 crystals serves as a foundation that enables thinner zinc-aluminum-magnesium coatings to achieve comparable corrosion resistance without developing surface defects. The crystalline structure provides a stable base that prevents coating instability even at reduced thicknesses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

By controlling the crystal grain diameter parameter of Fe2Al5 crystals to be more than 200 nm, the coating system achieves better surface quality even when the overall coating thickness is reduced, allowing optimization of material usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If an intermediate layer with Fe2Al5 crystals is introduced to reduce surface defects, then coating quality is improved, but manufacturing process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface qualityVSAvoidcoating process structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The formation of the intermediate layer with Fe2Al5 crystals is integrated into the existing hot-dip coating process. The steel substrate is first coated with a zinc-aluminum alloy to form the intermediate layer, then subsequently coated with the zinc-aluminum-magnesium coating, combining multiple functions in a unified process flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The intermediate layer is formed in advance before applying the final zinc-aluminum-magnesium coating. This preliminary action creates a prepared surface that promotes adhesion and prevents defects, simplifying the overall process by establishing the foundation first.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach significantly reduces the number and area of surface defects, enhancing the corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal of the coated steel products.

Implementation Method 1

an intermediate layer comprising Fe2Al5 crystals arranged between the steel substrate and the coating

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion barrier: Diffusion Barrier

Implementation Method 2

acts as an adhesion promoter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3872201A1Hot-dip coated steel product with a zinc-aluminum magnesium coating and production method and use of a device for hot dip coating of steel strip
Publication Date: 2021.09.01 THYSSENKRUPP STEEL EUROPE AG PATENTE PATENT DEPARTMENT
  • EP3872201A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3872201A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3872201A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A hot-dip coated steel product with a zinc-aluminum-magnesium coating is described, comprising a steel substrate, a coating of a zinc, magnesium, and aluminum alloy, and an intermediate layer comprising Fe₂Al₅ crystals arranged between the steel substrate and the coating. A method for producing such a hot-dip coated steel product is also described. Furthermore, the use of a device for hot-dip coating steel substrates to produce a hot-dip coated steel product with a zinc-aluminum-magnesium coating is described.