Fe3Si layers were prepared using chemical vapor deposition of Si on the sur
face of GO steel and its subsequent heat treatment. The changes in the stru
cture and phase composition after different heat treatment conditions have
been analyzed. The coating is characterized by high hardness, good corrosio
n resistance, high electrical resistivity, and the spin texture which diffe
rs from the steel substrate. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights rese
rved.