Effect of Process Parameters and Tool Coating on Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Heat Assisted Friction Stir Welded Polyethylene Sheets

Abstract

With the increasing growth of engineering plastics, the demand for reliable, rapid, high productivity and cost effective joining methods (similar to those used in the case of metals) is an undeniable requirement [. Furthermore, the need to produce larger and more complex parts from polymers has created an increased demand for joining, particularly in thermoplastic materials. In the case of creating a joint with high efficiency (the ratio of joint strength to base material strength) between currently available joining methods, welding is the best option [2,3]. Plastic welding processes can be divided into two groups: (1) Processes involving mechanical movement to produce heating (ultrasonic welding, friction welding, vibration welding) (2) processes involving external heating (hot plate welding, hot gas welding and resistive and implant welding) [. The welding method presented in this study utilizes both mechanical movement and external heating to produce heat.