Fe-Si composite layers on a steel substrate were prepared by codeposition o
f silicon powders with electrolytically deposited iron. The composite layer
s were thermally treated at 800 degreesC for 2 h and 4 h. It was found that
microhardness and high temperatures oxidation resistance of the Fe-Si ther
mally treated composite layers are remarkably higher than those of steel su
bstrate used. Microhardness of the composite layers has achieved up to 1000
N mm(-2).