Resistance welding of carbon fiber reinforced polyetherimide composite

CF/PEI laminates were joined using a resistance welding (fusion bonding) te chnique. The heating element has a sandwich s tructure consisting of two GF /PEI prepregs covering both sides of a s tainless metal mesh. The mechanica l properties of a flat welded panel were characterized by three-point bendi ng, Mode II ENF interlaminar fracture, instrumented Charpy impact, and fall ing weight impact tests. Failure occurred mainly inside the adherent lamina tes adjacent to the heating element in the areas with deconsolidation that occurred during joining. The defect size and intensity could be minimized b y increasing the hold pressure. The delamination area decreased with increa sing hold pressure at the same impact energy level.