2016 Volume 65 Issue 10 Pages 727-732
The use of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastics (CFRTP) is expected to achieve lightening in mass-produced products. Although composite materials have the advantage that the complex structure can be integrated when being molded, many joints exist for real products. We have been developing a new welding technology in which carbon fiber itself was used for the heating elements, however further improvement of bonding strength is needed. Grafting carbon nanotubes (CNT) on the surface of carbon fibers was reported to improve the fiber matrix interfacial properties. In this study, CNT grafted carbon fibers were used for the heating element of resistant welding, and the effect of carbon nanotube grafting on resistance welded strength of CFRTP was discussed. Welded properties of CFRTP were evaluated by the tensile shear test and the higher welded strength by using carbon nanotube grafted carbon fibers was obtained.
