Abstract
This study aims to reveal the mechanism of electro-fusion joining of CFRTP composites. The materials used are unidirectional CF/PPS and woven CF/PPS laminates. The effects of applied voltage, holding time and fiber reinforcing configuration on fusion behavior of CFRTP composites in electro-fusion welding were investigated. The fusion area and fusion shape were evaluated by microscopic observation and its image analysis. The experimental results revealed that electro-fusion behavior is influenced by reinforcing configuration and electric resistivity of CFRTP laminates. From the fusion area calculated by image analysis, it is obvious that the fusion area of both CFRTP laminates tends to increase with increasing the applied voltage and holding time. It was also confirmed that woven CF/PPS laminates could be welded at low applied voltage.
