Abstract
Modern welding processes that can easily be automated (such as friction stir welding, laser welding and ultrasonic welding) are gaining popularity in joining metal-polymer hybrid structures. This field of science is intensively studied around the globe, as a dependable, productive joining method that directly produces structurally sound joints between a metal and a polymer structure could unleash unforeseen possibilities in the vehicle industry. In our experiments, we manufactured hybrid steel-poly(methyl-methacrylate) (PMMA) joints with laser welding, using the 2p design of experiment method. We measured the effect of cellulose reinforcing fibres (in varying weight percentages) on the transparency and weldability of the PMMA material and the effect of welding parameters on the mechanical properties of the joints. We also examined the vicinity of the welded seam with scanning electron microscopy.
Highlights
The importance of integrated structures made from dissimilar materials, for example by joining steel and polymer structures together is increasing in the vehicle industry
Based on transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), the authors claimed that the strength of the macroscopic joint was influenced by shape-connected mechanical joints: the molten polymer filled in the surface roughness grooves of the zinc coating
The laser beam passes through the polymer and it is absorbed in the steel specimen, creating heat
Summary
The importance of integrated structures made from dissimilar materials, for example by joining steel and polymer structures together is increasing in the vehicle industry. Laser beams can be used in multiple ways during the processing and manufacturing of hybrid or integrated metal-polymer structures: depending on the laser welding machine and other parameters like laser power and beam velocity, laser beams can be used to cut materials, to process and to prepare their surfaces and to join them together. Based on transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), the authors claimed that the strength of the macroscopic joint was influenced by shape-connected mechanical joints: the molten polymer filled in the surface roughness grooves of the zinc coating They found that chemical bonding between zinc-oxide molecules and carbon atoms of the polymer chains further increased the joint strength. Bubbles can form in the polymer material during the joining process caused by the evaporation of remnant monomer molecules or vol /
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