Laser-Based Hot-Melt Bonding of Thermosetting GFRP

In the future the use of tailored multi-material components will increase because of lightweight constructions. However for an optimal integration of different materials suitable joining techniques are necessary. This paper presents results of joining thermosetting composites to thermoplastics by means of laser-based hot-melt bonding. First the joining process of glass fiber reinforced plastics (GFRP) to thermoplastics is analyzed with regard to appropriate material selection of the thermoplastic joining partner. Then experiments are performed to join two thermosetting GFRP composites using a thermoplastic interlayer. All joined specimens are characterized by tensile shear tests whereby the influences of the used peel ply and the thermoplastic joining partner on the tensile shear strength are analyzed. Finally climate tests are performed to investigate the long-term durability of the joint connections.