Study on mass concentration and morphology of SMAW fume particles with a new covered electrode using nano-CaTiO3 as an arc stabilizer

Advances in manufacturing emphasize on the development of sustainable and green processes. Welding is a popular process practiced worldwide. The paper presented here describes new covered electrode for shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) wherein nano-sized calcium titanate (CaTiO3) powder was used as an stabilizer, replacing conventional micro sized CaTiO3 flux. effect this flux modification mass concentration morphology fume particulates systematically investigated. coarse, fine sub-micron measured by segregating fumes four-stage personal cascade impactor. particle distribution estimated from median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) geometric standard deviation (GSD) particulates. at each impactor stage analysed using scanning electron microscopy its count (CMD) determined. results indicated much 48 % reduction total 54 breathing zone when entire substituted with nano-CaTiO3. Morphological analysis that large fraction were polydispersed particles, while electrodes predominantly contained monodispersed particles which have relatively faster rate removal lungs. Overall, present work introducing nano stabilizer to covering SMAW could not only reduce hazardous emissions but also biological activity toxicity, thus making more environment friendly.