EFFECT OF MANUAL METAL ARC WELDING PARAMETERS ON CORROSION BEHAVIOUR OF STAINLESS STEEL

In this work, effect of welding electrode, welding current and corrosion media on corrosion behaviour of three kinds of stainless steel (AISI 304, AISI 316 and AISI 410) was investigated. Welding was performed by manual metal arc welding process using three types of welding electrode (E308L, E316L and E310). Corrosion behaviour of the welded joints was examined in two chloride mediums (3.5%NaCl and 3.5%KCl). The results showed that welding electrodes E316L and E310, which contain Mo and Ni respectively, increase corrosion resistance in of the weldment. The increment in heat input by increasing welding current caused reduction in corrosion resistance by facilitating carbon diffusion and formation of chromium carbides in the weld area. It was also found that corrosion rate of 3.5% NaCl was more aggressive than 3.5% KCl