Abstract
The focus of this work is the use of a metal mesh as an alternative heating element for the joining of carbon fibre fabric reinforced polyetherimide composite laminate. A more homogeneous temperature distribution was generated by the metal mesh at the bonding surface. Glass fibre fabric reinforced PEI (GF/PEI) was used as an electrical insulator between the heating element and adherend laminates. Experimental results show that the GF/PEI prepreg could effectively prevent current leakage and enlarge the welding area. Welding parameters, such as input power level, welding time and pressure, were optimized according to the results of mechanical and microstructure characterization. Mechanical performance of composite specimens joined using metal mesh, in terms of lap shear strength and Mode I interlaminar fracture toughness, was equivalent to that of compression moulded benchmarks. Fracture surfaces of welded specimens showed mostly cohesive failure or intralaminar failure, indicating that good bonding between the PEI matrix and metal mesh was achieved. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 667-672 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | Composite Structures |
| Volume | 47 |
| Issue number | 1-4 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Dec 1999 |
| Externally published | Yes |
| Event | 10th International Conference on Composite Structures - Melbourne, Aust Duration: 15 Nov 1999 → 16 Nov 1999 |
Keywords
- Heating element
- Resistance welding
- Thermoplastic composite
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Ceramics and Composites
- Civil and Structural Engineering