Modified flux system in cored electrode

A method of forming a weld bead having a low diffusible hydrogen content by use of an electrode having reduced moisture pick-up comprising:

• a) providing a cored electrode that includes a metal sheath and a fill composition, said fill composition including titanium dioxide, a slag forming agent and a moisture resistant compound, said moisture resistant compound including titanium compound, potassium compound, sodium compound and colloidal silica;
• and,
• b) at least partially melting said cored electrode by an electric current to cause said melted portion of said cored electrode to be deposited on a workpiece.

An arc stabilizing component for use with a welding electrode during a welding process, said arc stabilizing component having reduced moisture pick-up such that the moisture pick-up of said arc stabilizing component over a 96 hour period at 80° F. and 80% relative humidity is less than about 0.2% for particles having an average particle size of 40-200 mesh, said arc stabilizing compound including a majority weight percent titanium compound, a 1.1-5:1 weight percent ratio of sodium compound to potassium compound, and at least about 1 weight percent colloidal silica.