Premium
Repairability of plastic automobile bumpers by hot gas welding
Author(s) -
Atkinson J. R.,
Turner B. E.
Publication year - 1989
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.760291907
Subject(s) - materials science , welding , composite material , brittleness , polycarbonate , natural rubber , porosity , plastic welding , arc welding , filler metal
Problems associated with the repair of fractured plastic car bumpers by traditional hot gas welding have been identified. In particular, interfacial cracks arising due to contraction stresses, weld pores, root notches, and voids in filler rods have been observed. These result in welds with inferior mechanical properties. Even so the impact properties and strength of plastic bumpers which were fractured and have been repaired by hot gas welding are likely to be acceptable for the purposes that the bumpers are intended. We have considered three materials: a polycarbonate/polyester blend, poly(butylene terephthalate), and an ethylene‐propylene‐diene rubber. Improvements in weld strength and interfacial bonding arise if a heated roller immediately following the welding torch is used to consolidate and compress the molten plastic. Porosity is reduced if the hot gas can escape easily from beneath the weld.