Heat Affected Zone in Microwave Polymer Welding

• Published in: Advanced Materials Research Vol. 1138; pp. 165 - 171
• Main Authors: Benga, Gabriel Constantin, Savu, Ionel Dănuț, Savu, Sorin Vasile
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Zurich Trans Tech Publications Ltd 27.07.2016
• Subjects: Crystallization; Differential scanning calorimetry; Elongation; Heating; Microwaves; Plastic deformation; Viscosity; Welding; Welding; Microwave; Polymer
• ISBN: 3038357685; 9783038357681
• ISSN: 1022-6680; 1662-8985; 1662-8985
• DOI: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.1138.165

This paper aims to present some specific aspects regarding the heat affected zone in microwave polymer welding. It presents several results of investigation of the physical and mechanical modification of the HDPE100 polymer when the microwave heating is applied. Burst stress, elongation and relaxation modulus are subject of this research, as well as the information regarding the crystallization rate and elongation viscosity. To reveal the type of the structure and its transformation, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) was used. The recorded values for rate of crystallization are appropriate for the welding process, but it has negative effect when plastic deformation at high temperature (as in the extrusion process) is applied. The microwave heating produced a 12-20% decreasing of the plasticity with the increasing of the amount of heat introduced into the material (from 65 W power and 10 s heating to 130 W and 40 s). After the microwave heating, the material showed low values for the elongation viscosity, which means not very fluid material and a necessity to apply high temperatures during the processing by welding or plastic deformation.