Effect of heating time below the melting temperature on polyphenylene sulfide adhesive joint development

A long heating time below the melting temperature (T-m) was found to be det rimental to subsequent polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) adhesive joint developme nt above T-m. This was found to be due to curing reactions below T-m and co nsequent reduced mass flow response above T-m. A high heating rate (small h eating time) enhanced the bonding more than a high pressure. The study was conducted by measurement of the contact electrical resistance of the joint, and was supported by calorimetry. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All right s reserved.