Effect of Adding CeO2 to Flux on Microstructure and Properties of SAW Seam of E36 Steel

Through adding rare earth(RE) ceria (CeO2, 0wt%, 2wt% and 4wt%) to the developed high basicity flux, the different contents of RE elements were added to the welding seam metal. The effects of different contents of CeO2 on microstructure and properties of the welding seam metal were investigated. The results show that microstructure of the welding seam with RE was main acicular ferrite, the grains were refined and impact toughness of the seam was improved significantly. The impact properties of the welding seam metal with flux containing 2wt% CeO2 were better than those with 4wt% CeO2.