Abstract
This study aims to reveal the mechanism of electro-fusion joining of CFRTP composites using carbon fiber filament as resistance heating element. The material used is woven CF/PPS laminates. The effects of applied voltage, fusion time and thickness of inserted PPS films on fusion behavior of CFRTP composites in electro-fusion welding were investigated. The welding area and fusion shape were evaluated by microscopic observation and its image analysis. The experimental results revealed that electro-fusion behavior is influenced by thickness of inserted PPS films and electric resistivity of CFRTP laminates. From the welding area calculated by image analysis, it is obvious that the welding area of CFRTP laminates tends to increase with increasing the applied voltage and fusion time. It was also confirmed that woven CF/PPS laminates could be welded at low applied voltage and long times.
