Tuning Weld Metal Mechanical Responses via Welding Flux Optimization of TiO2 Content: Application into EH36 Shipbuilding Steel

A series of TiO2-containing basic-fluoride-type agglomerated fluxes was applied to join EH36 shipbuilding steel under high heat input SAW. The effects of TiO2 content on composition, microstructure features, inclusions characteristics, and mechanical properties of ensuing weld metals (WMs) were systematically investigated. 6 wt pct TiO2 leads to the most optimal mechanical properties. Such behaviors were elucidated via transfer of alloying elements, which enables a good combination of acicular ferrites (AFs) and accompanying microstructures.