Transmission laser welding of thermoplastics by using carbon nanotube web

M. Russello, G. Catalanotti, S. C. Hawkins, C. W. Chan, B. G. Falzon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Laser welding of transparent and semi-transparent thermoplastics using layers of carbon nanotube (CNT) web as absorbant is reported. Single lap shear specimens were manufactured placing the layers of CNT-web between two polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PETG) sheets, that were successively irradiated with laser power at a wavelength of 1064 nm. Optical analyses were performed to assess the transmittance of the joint under different configurations; for the single layer of CNT web a transmittance of 83 %, in the visible range, was obtained after welding. Single-lap shear tests were performed and a shear strength of 23 MPa was obtained when using one layer of CNT-web. The investigated technology allows using a solid film as laser absorbing material, replacing conventional liquid or dye that need to be processed and applied on the surface before welding, thus speeding up the manufacturing process.
Original languageEnglish
Article number108733
Number of pages11
JournalOptics and Laser Technology
Volume157
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2023

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