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Failure characterization of polypropylene block copolymer welded joints
Author(s) -
Fasce Laura,
Cisilino Adrián,
Frontini Patricia,
Marczis Balazs,
Czigany Tibor
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
polymer engineering and science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.503
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1548-2634
pISSN - 0032-3888
DOI - 10.1002/pen.20785
Subject(s) - materials science , welding , polypropylene , composite material , copolymer , toughness , polymer , joint (building) , ultimate tensile strength , fracture mechanics , structural engineering , engineering
The failure behavior of polypropylene block copolymer double‐V welded joints was investigated. Joints were prepared using the hot‐gas welding technique at varying gas temperatures in the range of 230–260°C. Uniaxial tensile tests, fracture mechanics experiments, several microscopy techniques, and complementary FEM analysis were carried out to assess the quality of filler rods and welding interfaces. The developed interfaces were weaker than the parent material as a consequence of polymer chains segregation during the welding process. The hot‐gas temperature had a marked effect on the failure behavior of the welds. The highest interface toughness was attained at the highest gas welding temperature used at which, polymer chains were able to quickly diffuse into the parent material enlarging the distance of penetration and hence the micro‐deformation capability of the joint. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:1062–1069, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers