Strength of Dissimilar Materials Joint between A5052 and PET Joined by Using Friction Stir Heating

Abstract

A new direct joining method for dissimilar materials between a metal and a plastic by using friction stir heating technique is introduced. A5052 and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) were used as materials used in this study. The joining strength was evaluated under tensile shear loading condition. The fracture surface and the cross section of the joined specimens were observed in order to understand characteristics of the joints. The results show that A5052 and PET were successfully welded by the present joining method. Similar strength of the joints was obtained regardless of the joining conditions. Melting and softening behaviors of PET and formation of bubbles observed in welded area might affect the joining strength.