Al-enriched layer was formed on a magnesium substrate with use of casting. The magnesium melt was cast into a steel mould with an
aluminium insert placed inside. Different conditions of the casting process were applied. The reaction between the molten magnesium and
the aluminium piece during casting led to the formation of an Al-enriched surface layer on the magnesium substrate. The thickness of the
layer was dependent on the casting conditions. In all fabricated layers the following phases were detected: a solid solution of Mg in Al,
Al3Mg2, Mg17Al12 and a solid solution of Mg in Al. When the temperature of the melt and the mould was lower (variant 1 – 670o
C and 310 o
; variant 2 – 680o
C and 310o
C, respectively) the unreacted thin layer of aluminium was observed in the outer zone. Applying higher
temperatures of the melt (685o
C) and the mould (325o
C) resulted in deep penetration of aluminium into the magnesium substrate. Areas
enriched in aluminium were locally observed. The Al-enriched layers composed mainly of Mg-Al intermetallic phases have hardness from
187-256 HV0.1.