Resistance Welding of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polyetherimide Composit

Abstract

CF/PEI laminates were joined using a resistance welding (fusion bonding) technique. The heating element has a sandwich structure consisting of two GF/PEI prepregs covering both sides of a stainless metal mesh. The mechanical properties of a flat welded panel were characterized by three-point bending, Mode II ENF interlaminar fracture, instrumented Charpy impact, and falling weight impact tests. Failure occurred mainly inside the adherent laminates adjacent to the heating element in the areas with deconsolidation that occurred during joining. The defect size and intensity could be minimized by increasing the hold pressure. The delamination area decreased with increasing hold pressure at the same impact energy level.