Powder reaction mechanism in fabrication of high silicon iron alloy

In the present paper, the reaction mechanism of silicon and iron powders under different sintering conditions during the fabrication of high silicon iron sheet (∼6.5 mass-%Si) is clarified. It is indicated that the phases, Fe₃Si (Si) and FeSi, play an important role in the reaction between iron and silicon powders. Two temperature regions of the powder reaction are very important for producing commercial high silicon iron sheets: the temperature region of ∼ 1OOO°C in which the ductile composite structure can be produced, and the temperature region of ∼ 1200°C in which the density and homogeneity can be improved.