Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2-1-2021
Abstract
This paper investigates the use of multi-walled carbon nanotube/polypropylene (MWCNT/PP) films to enable ultrasonic welding and damage detection of glass fiber/polypropylene (GF/PP) composite joints in a single lap configuration. Three MWCNT concentrations above electrical percolation (15–25 wt%) were chosen to weld GF/PP adherends. The effect of MWCNT content on the welding process was evaluated by comparing weld quality through lap shear strength (LSS) tests and fractography analysis. Films containing 15 and 20 wt% MWCNT had no significant effect on the welding process, while 25 wt% reduced LSS by up to 39% compared to pure PP films due to their brittleness. Welded joints with MWCNT/PP films showed potential for damage detection through real-time electrical resistance changes at the interface. Thus, the multifunctional films proposed in this study represent a novel and promising approach for ultrasonic welding and damage detection of thermoplastic composite joints, but future work should focus on improving weld strength.
Publication Source (Journal or Book title)
Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing
Recommended Citation
Li, W., Frederick, H., & Palardy, G. (2021). Multifunctional films for thermoplastic composite joints: Ultrasonic welding and damage detection under tension loading. Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, 141 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesa.2020.106221