Fine-Tuned Element Transfer Strategies for Ternary CaF 2 -SiO 2 -CaO Fluxes in Submerged Arc Welding: An Environmentally Friendly Approach

Submerged arc welding under high heat input has been conducted on EH36 plate employing two series of CaF 2 -SiO 2 -CaO-fused fluxes. The effects of CaO and SiO 2 on element transfer between slag and weld metal are systematically evaluated using thermodynamics. It is concluded that the substitution of CaF 2 by CaO is an environmentally friendly approach to suppress the transfer of Si to weld metal and decrease the loss of Mn from weld metal to slag.