Nano-engineered joining employing surface modified graphite nanomaterials

A new joining technique is reviewed where graphite nanomaterials are introduced at the interface to link the joining thermoplastic substrates and surfaces via massive interatomic bonds and other interactions followed by microwave irradiation. Replicated tests on the “nano-engineered” joints indicated improvement in energy absorption capacity, impact resistance, strength, ductility fatigue resistance of adhesive bonding as compared to conventional adhesive bonding. The demonstrated increase in mechanical properties, high efficiency in CNT-to-CNT and CNT-to-substrate joining and high level of replicability underline the potential for replacement of conventional adhesive bonding techniques with the technique presented.