improving the performance of spot welds in galvanized steel sheets using rgo reinforcement and recycled ck45 steel chips: a step toward green welding

In this study, in order to enhance the properties of spot-welded galvanized steel sheets and promote the optimal use of industrial waste, machining chips of ck45 steel with thicknesses of 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 mm were recycled. after selecting the most suitable chip size, the recycled chips were combined with 0.5 wt% reduced graphene oxide (rgo) using a ball milling device and converted into a uniform powder. this composite powder, along with 1 wt% natural tragacanth gum as a binder, was locally applied to the spot welding zone to investigate its effects on the mechanical and corrosion properties of the welds. the test results showed that the reinforced samples exhibited up to a 25% increase in tensile strength (from 3200 n to 4000 n) and up to a 70% reduction in corrosion rate compared to the unreinforced reference samples. this significant improvement is attributed to a more uniform structure, reduced local defects, and improved heat distribution in the weld area. furthermore, utilizing ck45 steel machining waste as a raw material represents an effective step toward industrial waste management and cost reduction. this novel and environmentally friendly approach has the potential to enhance the durability and quality of spot welds in automotive, construction, and coated sheet metal industries in this study, in order to enhance the properties of spot-welded galvanized steel sheets and promote the optimal use of industrial waste, machining chips of ck45 steel with thicknesses of 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 mm were recycled. after selecting the most suitable chip size, the recycled chips were combined with 0.5 wt% reduced graphene oxide (rgo) using a ball milling device and converted into a uniform powder. this composite powder, along with 1 wt% natural tragacanth gum as a binder, was locally applied to the spot welding zone to investigate its effects on the mechanical and corrosion properties of the welds. the test results showed that the reinforced samples exhibited up to a 25% increase in tensile strength (from 3200 n to 4000 n) and up to a 70% reduction in corrosion rate compared to the unreinforced reference samples. this significant improvement is attributed to a more uniform structure, reduced local defects, and improved heat distribution in the weld area. furthermore, utilizing ck45 steel machining waste as a raw material represents an effective step toward industrial waste management and cost reduction. this novel and environmentally friendly approach has the potential to enhance the durability and quality of spot welds in automotive, construction, and coated sheet metal industries