Comparative Analysis of Wettability Characteristics in Developed SMAW Electrode Coating Fluxes: A Regression Model and ANN Approach

The objective of this study is to develop and examine coating fluxes for SMAW electrodes intended for use in nuclear power plant steel welding. A set of 21 unique flux compositions is created using the extreme vertices design methodology. These compositions predominantly consist of SrO-CaO-Al2O3-CaF2 fluxes. At a temperature of 1373 K, an in-depth investigation is carried out to assess key properties, including the work of adhesion, spread area, contact angle and floatation coefficient. Additionally, the surface tension of these flux compositions is estimated. XRD and FTIR analysis methodologies have been employed for the purpose of examining and identifying the phases that exist within both the flux and slag. Furthermore, structural analysis of the molten material is conducted through the examination of quenched slag powder. Results reveal that the individual components CaO, CaF2 and binary interaction of Al2O3 × SrO have a significant effect on the contact angle and floatation coefficient. Individual interactions of CaO, SrO, Al2O3 and CaF2 exert a positive impact on the spread area. The individual components Al2O3 and SrO were found to have a significant effect on the work of adhesion.