Experimental investigation of Ultrasonic welding of carbon fiber Reinforced thermoplastics to an Aluminum alloy using an interfacial Polymer coating

Abstract

Global automotive manufacturers are transforming their newlinetechnologies towards Industry 4.0 requirements that include the flexible newlineautomation of processes, robotics, additive, and hybrid manufacturing. newlineThough the manufacturers are aiming for technological advancements, the newlinemajor concern lies with the overall weight reduction of vehicles to improve newlinefuel economy, reduce energy consumption, and meet strict emission norms. newlineLightweighting is the predominant strategy followed by every manufacturer newlinewhich led to the development of various lightweight materials and subsequent newlineusages in the vehicle structure. Aluminum alloys and Carbon Fiber newlineReinforced Thermoplastics (CFRTP s) are considered as potential candidates newlinefor lightweight engineering structures due to their high strength-to-weight newlineratio and corrosion resistance. Hybrid structures combining such multimaterials newlineare needed to extract the benefits of each material along with the newlinetechno-commercial aspects. However, a direct joining of such materials is newlineoften difficult due to the difference in their mechanical, thermal, and chemical newlineproperties. Manufacturers still face a significant barrier in working on the newlinelightweight design due to limited and inefficient joining techniques newline