Effects of graphene oxide addition in properties of shielded metal arc welding joints

Abstract

Abstract Graphene and its derivative materials have been receiving the attention of researchers worldwide, and these materials are being considered for many applications. In this sense, studies revealed significant improvements in the welding properties of the welded joint when graphene derivatives are used. In this work, graphene oxide was deposited in shielded metal arc welding E6013 electrodes by dip coating, and bead-on-plate and joining welds were produced with and without graphene oxide addition. Further, structural and microstructural aspects of the welds were investigated by employing XRD, and SEM. In addition, tests of microhardness and corrosion were performed. The results revealed that the application of graphene oxide had promoted a slight increase in the microhardness of welds and did not promote deleterious effects on tensile mechanical properties. Furthermore, despite the lack of significant effects of graphene addition in microstructural development and mechanical properties, the weld metal obtained with graphene addition presented corrosion rates 30 times inferior compared to conventional electrodes and ten times less than the base metal.