Fusion bonding of structural T-joints for thermoplastic composite boats. (May 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Otheguy, ME; Gibson, AG; Robinson, AM
• Is Part Of: Journal of thermoplastic composite materials. Volume 26:Number 4(2013)
• Page Start: 419
• Page End: 442
• Publication Date: 2013-05
• Subjects: Thermoplastic composite -- polypropylene glass -- bulk heating -- fusion bonding -- T-joint -- lap joint -- resin interlayer; Thermoplastic composites -- Periodicals; 668.423
• DOI: 10.1177/0892705711425828
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0892-7057

Abstract

This article presents an experimental study of fusion-bonded polypropylene (PP) glass composite joints in the context of small craft manufacture. The objective is to investigate the manufacturing of lap joints and T-joints as a structural part of a small boat and study their properties, because a joining technique is a fundamental requirement of any boat construction technology. Results show that PP interlayers improve bond quality for both lap joints and T-joints and that woven precursor materials are preferred for T-joint manufacturing. It was also found that this technique produces higher lap shear strength values than adhesives and resistance welding, and that pull-out strength values were comparable with those of thermosetting designs, demonstrating that fusion bonding is a suitable joining technique for thermoplastic composite craft.