| The need for industries to remain competitive in the welding business has created a a necessity to develop innovative processes that can exceed customers' demand. Significant improvements in weld efficiency during the past decades still have their drawbacks, specifically in weld strength properties. Recent innovative technologies have created the smallest possible solid material, known as nanomaterial, and its introduction in welding production has improved the weld strength properties and overcome unstable microstructures in the weld. This study critically reviews the methods of introducing nanomaterial to the weldments and the characteristics of the welds produced by GMA (gas metal arc) and GTA (gas tungsten arc) welding processes. The study mainly focuses on changes in the microstructural formation and strength properties on the welded joint and also discusses the factors influencing such improvements due to the addition of nanomaterials. The literature review shows that the effect of nanomaterial addition in the welding process modifies the physics of the joint region, thereby resulting in significant improvement in the strength properties, with a stable microstructure in the weld. In general, the factors that have a major influence on joint strength are the dispersion, characteristics, quantity and selection of nanomaterials. The nanomaterials addition does not affect the fundamental properties and characteristics of the base metals and the filler metal. However, in some cases, the addition of nanomaterials leads to the deterioration of the joint properties by unstable microstructural formations. Research is still being conducted to achieve high weld properties in various materials through different welding processes and on other factors that influence joint strength. |
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