S. C. Chang, T. H. Chen, T. H. Chiu, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
The unique heating property of microwave irradiation on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was used in the repairing of cracks in thermoplastic matrix composite materials. The drastic temperature rise of CNTs in response to microwave irradiation provides a strong bonding between the CNTs and polymer within a few seconds without thermal damage to the substrate. It is found that cracks in thermoplastic matrix composite materials can be “welded” by using microwave irradiation within a few seconds and the strength of the welded parts is even greater than that of the good composite.
Summary: The unique heating property of microwave irradiation on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was used in the repairing of cracks in thermoplastic matrix composite materials. The drastic temperature rise of CNTs in response to microwave irradiation provides a strong bonding between the CNTs and polymer within a few seconds without thermal damage to the substrate. It is found that cracks in thermoplastic matrix composite materials can be “welded” by using microwave irradiation within a few seconds and the strength of the welded parts is even greater than that of the good composite.
