Fe3Al and Cr18-Ni8 stainless steel were diffusion-bonded in vacuum and a Fe3Al/Cr18-Ni8 interface with reaction layer was formed. Microstructure in the reaction layer at Fe3Al/Cr18-Ni8 interface was analyzed by means of scanning electron microscope (SEM) and electron probe micro-analyzer (EPMA). The growth of reaction layer with heating temperature (T) and holding time (t) was researched. The results indicate that FeAl, Fe3Al, Ni3Al, and alpha-Fe (Al) solid solution are formed in the reaction layer. These phases are favorable to promote the element diffusion and to accelerate the formation of the reaction layer at Fe3Al/Cr18-Ni8 interface. The growth of reaction layer obeys the parabolic law and its thickness (X) is expressed by X-2 = 7.5 x 10(-4) exp(-83.59/RT)(t - t(0)). (c) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.