Activated flux TIG welding of stainless steel pipes

Abstract

In this work, the presence of TiO2 nanoparticle-based activated flux combined with orbital welding of seamless thick-walled pipes of stainless steel and lowcycle pulse current was done, representing a novel combination of welding processes parameters. Control specimens were welded without flux and consumable material, and without flux with the consumable material. Experimental welding with different welding parameters was done. Special attention was given to characterize the flux by zetasizer method, representing a new approach, versus the conventional approach where the nominal oxide particle size is reported. The obtained welds were visually tested, macroanalyzed, their microstructures examined, and their tensile and bending properties determined. The results show that the flux influences a significant increase in penetration depth, up to full penetration, which has a positive effect on the increase in the tensile and bending properties of the weld metal. Material behavior model was developed, based on microstructural features of the near weld-line. Without the flux, grain enlargement occurred near the surface, while with flux, it occurred under the weld, which can be attributed to recrystallization and a reversed Marangoni convection.