Welding of thermoplastics by means of Carbon Nanotube Web

Abstract

The main aim of this project, consisting of the examination of alternative methods to better meet higher industry expectations in the manufacturing of thermoplastic parts and to promote quicker processing procedures, higher process and in-use performance, and higher process flexibility, was achieved. Two different thermoplastic welding methods were investigated, namely, Transmission Laser Welding and Resistance Welding. The combination of these technologies with the use of an innovative Carbon Nanotube Web (CNT-web) allowed for additional opportunities to be explored. The use of CNT-web in Transmission Laser Welding demonstrated a quicker setup configuration and a higher in-use performance when welding neat thermoplastic parts. In Resistance Welding, the web, showed greater in-use performances as the web, compared to traditional methods, is not affected by corrosion, is flexible and offer great mechanical performances.

Date of Award	Jul 2023
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Queen's University Belfast
Sponsors	Marie Sklodowska Curie COFUND
Supervisor	Giuseppe Catalanotti (Supervisor), Stephen Hawkins (Supervisor), Brian Falzon (Supervisor) & Biqiong Chen (Supervisor)