Journal of Microwave Power and Electromagnetic Energy (JMPEE)
TITLE	Microwave Facilities for Welding Thermoplastic Composites and Preliminary Results [PDF]
AUTHORS	H.S. Ku, E. Siores and J.A.R. Bull 1999 34 4 195-205
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Abstract The wide range of applications of microwave technology in manufacturing industries has been well documented (NRC, 1994; Thuery, 1992). In this paper, a new way of joining fibre reinforced thermoplastic composites with or without primers is presented. The microwave facility used is also discussed. The effect of power input and cycle time on the heat affected zone (HAZ) is detailed together with the underlying principles of test piece material interactions with the electromagnetic field. The process of autogeneus joining of 33% by weight of random glass fibre reinforced Nylon 66, polystyrene (PS) and low density polyethylene (LDPE) as well as 23.3% by weight of carbon fibre reinforced PS thermoplastic composites is discussed together with developments using filler materials, or primers in the heterogenous joining mode. The weldability dependence on the dielectric loss tangent of these materials at elevated temperatures is also described. Key Words: Microwave facilities configurations, thermoplastic composites, short-circuit plunger, loss tangent, diffusion of araldite, bond surface analysis, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy