Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 9, 2025
Ultrasonic Welding of Thermoplastic Composite Coupons for Mechanical Characterization of Welded Joints through Single Lap Shear Testing
Published on: February 11, 2016
Enhancing the Lap Shear Performance of Resistance-Welded GF/PP Thermoplastic Composite by Modifying Metal Heating
Wanling Long1, Xinyu Zhou1, Bing Du1,2
1Chongqing Key Laboratory of Nano-Micro Composite Materials and Devices, College of Materials and New Energy, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China.
Abstract:
Thermoplastic composites are gaining widespread application in aerospace and other industries due to their superior durability, excellent damage resistance, and recyclability compared to thermosetting materials. This study aims to enhance the lap shear strength (LSS) of resistance-welded GF/PP (glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene) thermoplastic composites by modifying stainless steel mesh (SSM) heating elements using a silane coupling agent. The influence of oxidation temperature, solvent properties, and solution pH on the LSS of the welded joints was systematically evaluated. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was utilized to investigate the SSM surface and assess improvements in interfacial adhesion. The findings indicate that surface treatment promotes increased resin infiltration into the SSM, thereby enhancing the LSS of the resistance-welded joints. Treatment under optimal conditions (500 °C, ethanol solvent, and pH 11) improved LSS by 27.2% compared to untreated joints.
