THERMOPLASTIC JOINING USING SOLAR-ENERGY CONCENTRATOR

The harnessing of solar energy for processing thermoplastics using a s olar concentrator is detailed. The application of this relatively new method is driven by manufacturing industry demands for simpler product ion methods and increased productivity when processing plastics and th e need to achieve these goals in an environmentally friendly way. This work investigates the feasibility of effectively joining thermoplasti cs such as polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene and polysty rene using a solar energy concentrator facility. Research into the eff ect of variation of parameters such as standoff distance, weld time an d processing temperature along with analysis of the tensile strength o f the resultant bond is discussed and the advantages and limitations o f the solar energy concentrator technique are assessed. This developme nt work was undertaken to demonstrate the vast scope of applications o f solar energy, particularly as an alternative joining process for the plastics processing industries. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd. All ri ghts reserved.