On the sensitivity of the ultrasonic welding process of epoxy- to polyetheretherketone (PEEK)-based composites to the welding force and amplitude of vibrations

This paper addresses the sensitivity of ultrasonic welding process for joining dissimilar composites to variations in either force or amplitude vibrations. For that, carbon fibre (CF)/epoxy specimens were welded CF/polyetheretherketone (PEEK) specimens, through a polyetheretherimide (PEI) coupling layer co-cured with CF/epoxy material. It was found that reducing vibrations caused an increase heating time and maximum temperatures between adherend. In addition, local signs thermal degradation adherend even at conditions resulted highest strength. However, such alterations not significant enough have apparent effect on lap shear strength joints.