The effects of silicon on galvannealing behavior of interstitial-free (IF) steels were studied. The growth rate of the Fe-Zn alloy layer was retarded as silicon in the steel added. Titanium in steel strongly favors Fe-Zn reaction, in particular outburst structures, whereas silicon inhibit them. Cross-sectional and planar views of galvannealed coatings were investigated to characterize alloy phase development. A possible mechanism to explain the retardation effect of silicon is discussed in terms of concentration on surface and inhibition layer.