The AlSi nanolayers deposited on FeCrAl microwires

Process of cutting the expanded polystyrene blocks into plates is done by using resistance wires heated to about 430K. The amount of cut plates depends on the number of parallel wires mounted on a frame which is moved lengthwise to the block. Damage to only one of the wires eliminates a further cutting process, what affects on increasing the costs of production. In this work the research was undertaken to improvement the efficiency of the wires exploitation by extending their working time. For this aim wires made from Kanthal alloy were selected and covered by Al, Si and Al+Si nanolayers deposited by PVD method. Using the SEM and TEM methods, a comparative study of the surface and structure of wires with deposited nanolayers was performed, avoiding coating process. The presence of numerous defects in the intergranular surface zone of wires was revealed, what may affect on their strength and durability. It was also found that the presence of Al+Si nanolayers influenced on the prolongation of working time of wires, what can reduce production costs. 1PPHU “Termex” Ltd., Lniana 9, 75-001 Koszalin, Poland 2Koszalin University of Technology, Śniadeckich 2, 75-001 Koszalin, Poland 3Technical University of Liberec, Studentská 1402/2, 461 17 Liberec, Czech Republic *Corresponding author