Joining of thirty three percent by weight random carbon fibre reinforced low density polyethylene using variable frequency microwave

[Abstract]: This paper extends the range of applications for Variable Frequency Microwave facilities (VFMF) (2 – 18 GHz) to joining thirty three percent by weight carbon fibre reinforced low density polyethylene composite [LDPE/CF (33%)]. With a given power level, the composite was exposed to various exposure times to microwave irradiation. The primer or coupling agent used was 5-minute two-part adhesive containing 100% liquid epoxy and 8% amine, ie Araldite. Bond strengths of the joints were lap shear tested and results were compared with those obtained using fixed frequency (2.45 GHz) microwave processing. The VFMF was operated under software control, which provided automatic data logging facilities. The maximum lap shear strength of joint was 230 N/cm2 using variable frequency microwave facility while that obtained by fixed frequency microwave configuration was only 150 N/cm2. The former was found to be 53% stronger than the latter