Cellulose as filler for welding electrodes

Cellulose fibres and wood flours for welding electrodes.
As fillers for coatings of welding electrodes, cellulose and wood flours protect weld seams from oxidation.

We produce cellulose fibres and and wood flours for coatings of welding electrodes. The following products from our range have proven their suitability for decades:

  • JELUCEL® HM 150
  • JELUXYL® WEHO 120/f.

Cellulose for welding electrodes

Using cellulose fibres and wood flours in coatings of welding electrodes is one of the oldest applications for these functional additives. The coating of the welding electrodes takes on specific tasks during welding. The type and structure of the coating determine the melting character of the rod electrode and its welding properties.

Basically, the following types of coating are distinguished:

  • A = acid coating
  • R = rutile coating
  • RR = rutile, thick coating
  • RA = rutile-acid coating
  • C = cellulose
  • R(C) = rutile cellulose
  • RR(C)= rutile cellulose, thick coating
  • B = basic coating
  • R(B) = rutile with basic elements
  • RR = rutile basic, thick coating

Depending on the composition and thickness of the coating, the stability of the arc, the material transfer during welding as well as slag and weld pool viscosity change.

Cellulose and wood flours burn during welding and form carbon oxides, which, as inert gases, protect the weld from oxidation. Since cellulose burns completely, cellulosic coatings produce less slag and are therefore suitable for extreme welding positions. Cellulose electrodes are used for vertical-down welding, and especially for circumferential welds on pipelines. Cellulose ensures that a significant amount of material is molten during welding and a high penetration is achieved.

Besides pure cellulose electrodes, mixed types also exist. The cellulose contained in these electrode types positively affects the melting properties and material transfer.