Effect of Welding Speed, Current, and Electrode Type on the Corrosion Behavior of Low Carbon Steel Weld Zones in 3.5% NaCl Solution

College of Production Engineering & Metallurgy, University of Technology-Iraq, Baghdad 10066, Iraq

Published online: 24 June 2026

Abstract

Metallurgical transformations within weld zones play a critical role in determining the corrosion behavior of welded joints. This study investigates the effects of three distinct electrode types which were E8018, E7010, and E6010on the corrosion tendency and corrosion rate of 0.05% low carbon steel in the 3.5% solution of sodium chloride. The chemical compositions of these electrodes, particularly the presence of alloying elements such as chromium and nickel, were found to significantly influence corrosion resistance. E8018, containing 1.3% Cr, exhibited the highest corrosion resistance, followed by E7010 (0.3% Ni), while E6010, with minimal alloying content, demonstrated the poorest corrosion resistance. The influence of welding current (100, 130, and 160 A) and welding speed (70, 100, and 140 mm/min) was also assessed. Results revealed that higher welding currents increased corrosion rates due to coarser microstructures, whereas higher travel speeds reduced corrosion rates by minimizing heat input. This research highlights the synergistic effects of electrode composition and welding parameters on the microstructural and electrochemical properties of low carbon steel weldments, providing valuable insights for optimizing welding practices in corrosive environments.