Reinforced Dissimilar Friction Stir Weld of Polypropylene to Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene with Copper Nanopowder

The widespread application of thermoplastic polymers in different aspects of industries has motivated researchers and companies to improve and upgrade their forming, joining and assembling processes to overcome their limitations. The aim of this study is to investigate the reinforcement of the dissimilar joints of Polypropylene and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene by incorporation of copper powder to the weld zone. The effects of process parameters such as rotational and traverse speeds and the heater temperature on the mechanical properties and the macrostructure of the joints were studied comprehensively. Rotational and traverse speeds and heater temperature of 1600 rpm, 16 mm/min and 80 degrees C, offered the best mechanical properties of the joint. In this condition, reinforced welded joint with strength equal to 91.2% of Polypropylene and hardness equal to 94.1% of Polypropylene was obtained. The results showed that adding the copper powder to the joint increased the tensile strength and hardness of the joint prepared at the optimum welding condition for about 36% and 30%, respectively. (C) 2018 The Society of Manufacturing Engineers. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.