Thermoplastic Composites

Scope

The breadth of research in thermoplastic composites is constantly expanding, making it one of the most promising topics in the modern world. The Journal of Polymer & Composites has therefore established a special issue where scholars can submit their research papers utilizing this well-liked topic. These papers will utilize thermoplastic composites and offer ground-breaking research to the world. Thermoset fiber reinforced composites, which are frequently employed in structural applications today, have difficult repair processes and produce a lot of scrap since recycling them is difficult, which violates the most recent environmental regulations. Utilizing a thermoplastic matrix phase, which is excellent for joining and repairing by local melting, can solve these drawbacks and make the composite material recyclable. This article includes a review of the literature on joining techniques suitable for thermoplastic-based composites and their prospective usage in structural element repairs. Comparative research based on the results of the joints; strength and toughness tests that are accessible in the literature evaluate the performance of adhesive and fusion bonding procedures for a variety of thermoplastic composite systems. The three most promising fusion bonding methods—resistance welding, induction welding, and ultrasonic welding—are the focus of this study. Each of these methods; benefits and downsides are described, as well as how well they work for various structural applications. Additionally, several incongruent features of each welding process are noted, and the related suggestions are explored. To encourage their use in numerical modeling, a collection of analytical models for the mechanisms of heat generation and Transient heat transfer modeling is also offered for each fusion bonding process. Almost all thermoplastics, from common to specialized types, can be employed, depending on the intended end use, which ranges from consumer items to aerospace. The most popular fibers are glass, aramid, and carbon fibers (CFs). While CFS is employed in highly performing applications, glass is used for general-purpose and technical composites. In matrices like polypropylene, polyethylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, polyvinyl chloride for automotive or industrial uses, and wood-plastic composites, sustainable natural fibers—corn, wood flour, flax, hemp, etc.—are evolving. In addition to foams, honeycombs, wood, or plywood for sandwich constructions, other reinforcement forms include yarns, roving’s, prepregs, nanofillers, carbon nanotubes, two- or three-dimensional mats, woven or knitted fabrics, braiding’s, and randomly dispersed chopped glass fibers.

Keywords: Thermoplastic composites, Fusion bonding, Friction welding, Thermal welding, Electromagnetic welding, Resistance welding, Induction welding, Ultrasonic welding, Continuous fibers, Rapid processing, Bonding strength, Dissimilar materials, Energy director, Thermoplastic composite