← Glossary
Silicon deoxidation product
Silicon reacts in the weld pool with oxygen to form silica compounds that act as deoxidizers. These must be quickly removed from the metal to avoid porosity.
Physical-chemical mechanism of action
Silicon reacts with oxygen in the molten pool and forms silicic acid compounds such as silicate. These compounds bind oxygen, which promotes deoxidation.
Metallurgical relevance & risks when welding
Silicic acid compounds can cause porosity in the weld if not fully removed. This can lead to weak spots and cracks. Moreover, too high a silicon content can impair the toughness of the steel.
Workshop practice & instructions
Use silicon in the range of 0.1 to 0.3 % for effective deoxidation. Make sure slag control works well to remove silicic acid compounds from the metal. Too much silicon can coarsen the structure and reduce toughness.
MetallurgieSchweißtechnik