Cellulosic Flux Cored Wires: The Influence of Polymer Addition on Process Stability and Properties of Weld Metal Produced

There are no papers describing the development and evaluation of self shielded cellulosic cored wires for field welds applications. The paper objective was to produce this consumable with polymer additions and evaluate its effect on the process stability of weld metal produced by cellulosic flux cored. The evaluation of cored wires showed the feasibility to make them at pilot plant. The chemical composition of weld metal produced by wire without (0,0%) or with 7,5% polymer match the cellulosic covered electrode composition which was the base formula. On the other hand, the 15% polymer cored wire presented in comparison with to the others consumables, substantial carbon, silicon and manganese content reduction. Evaluating the weld metal diffusible hydrogen content cannot be observed a variation as a function of polymer content. The weld bead macrographic analysis does not indicate porosity and the penetration improved as a consequence of polymer increasing. The electrical signal evaluation showed more arc stability as a result of polymer content increasing.