Comparative Study on Microwave and Conventional Joining of Thermoplastic

Abstract

Industrialisation and the development of manufacturing process nowadays demand a more efficient and environmental friendly production. Microwave energy can be seen as the alternative heating application to meet the demands due to its ability to heat materials volumetrically. In this study, the usage of microwave energy to join thermoplastic is investigated. One of the key features of thermoplastic is the ability to shape when heated to their glass transition temperature and return to the moulded shape when it is cooled. Engineering thermoplastic Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) was used as member while charcoal powder was used as susceptor material. The joining process was carried out with timing varying from 3 to 5 minutes, adhesive method and direct heating method. Upon the completion of joining, tensile test, 3 points test, hardness test and charpy impact test were conducted and compared to determine the strength of the joint.

Microwave Welding of Thermoplastic using Silicon Carbide Nanowhiskers as Susceptor: Effect of Heating Duration

“…In fact, microwave welding has many advantages that cannot be offered by conventional welding methods such as localised and selective heating, high heating rates and applicable on complex geometry parts [7]. Furthermore, direct absorption of microwave energy by the materials induces volumetric heating within the material which also reduces the temperature gradient, heat affected zone, processing time and power consumption [8]. For these reasons, microwave welding attracts research attention and number of reported studies is increasing significantly.…”