| abstract |
A flux composition suitable for laser welding, repair, and additive manufacturing applications. The flux composition contains 5 to 60 weight percent of a light transmitting component, 10 to 70 weight percent of a viscosity/fluidity enhancer, 0 to 40 weight percent of a shielding agent, 5 to 30 weight percent of a scavenging agent, and 0 to 7 weight percent of a guiding agent, wherein the percentages are relative to the total weight of the flux composition. Also disclosed is a method involving melting of a superalloy material in the presence of the disclosed flux composition to form a melt pool covered by a slag layer, and allowing the melt pool and slag to cool and solidify, thereby forming a superalloy layer covered by a solid slag layer. |