Characterizing Inclusions in the Weld Metal of EH36 Shipbuilding Steel Processed by CaF2-30 Wt Pct TiO2 Flux

EH36 shipbuilding steel has been submerged arc welded by employing CaF2-30 wt pct TiO2 flux, and the inclusion characteristics have been documented. After welding, the inclusion number density increases while its size as an ensemble shrinks. It is postulated that TiO2 in the flux serves as a viable way of promoting the formation of Ti-containing inclusions by incurring Ti and O transfer. Besides, the inclusion distribution is largely dictated by the flow of the weld-pool. (C) The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society and ASM International 2022

Automated summary

EH36 shipbuilding steel was welded using CaF2-30 wt pct TiO2 flux, and the characteristics of inclusions were documented. After welding, the number density of inclusions increased while their size as a whole decreased. It is hypothesized that TiO2 in the flux promotes the formation of Ti-containing inclusions by facilitating the transfer of Ti and O. Additionally, the distribution of inclusions is largely influenced by the flow of the weld-pool.