Comparative Analysis on the Effect of Agro-Waste Based Flux During Arc-Welding of Mild-Steel

This study was a comparative study on the effect of the flux produced from coconut and eggshell powders during arc-welding of mild steel. An arc welding machine and flux prepared from agrowastes were employed for the study. The Flux compositions used for the 5 welded groups include 100% Eggshell, 100% Coconut shell, 70% Eggshell with 30% Coconut shell, 30% Eggshell with 70% Coconut shell and finally, normal convectional flux for control experimentation. Tensile test shows that the 100% egg shell powder as flux had the highest tensile strength with 850 N at maximum tensile compare with 70% Egg shell, normal flux, 30% Coconut shell and 100% Coconut shell that returned values of 847, 785, 750 and 712 N respectively. Samples welded using 100% Eggshell developed flux produced the highest Brinell Hardness Value of 125.25 BHN at the welded joint compared to results from other flux types. Tensile results shows that welded joints formed by 100% Eggshell flux had the highest Maximum Tensile Stress (MTS) of 850.2 N compared with others having lower values of MTS and can last longer when load bearing properties is considered. Hence, flux developed from 100% Eggshell is recommended for use as substitute for the conventional flux.