A new hypothesis to describe the mechanisms acting in a welded joint of semicrystalline thermoplastics

Since it is known that crosslinked polyethylene can be welded, it is clear that the mechanisms acting in the interior of a welded joint are not adequa tely explained yet. There are several criteria, hypotheses and models that attempt to describe what happens in a welded feint. In this paper, two new promising hypotheses, the Mixed Crystal Hypothesis and the Nexus Hypothesis , are introduced. The Mixed Crystal Hypothesis can be proven by the help of several different examination methods. Other examinations support the Nexu s Hypothesis.