Développement d'un nanocomposite conducteur pour le soudage par résistance des composites thermoplastiques

Resistance welding is a quick and efficient way to join thermoplastic composite parts. In collaboration with the industrial partner, ArianeGroup, this project develops a nanocomposite heating element to produce a flexible junction by welding thermoplastic composite parts to a thermoplastic elastomer. This welded flexible joint will replace an adhesive bonded junction between the tanks and skirts of a satellite launcher. Development of this joint was done in 4 stages. First, it was necessary to develop a conductive nanocomposite with appropriate properties to serve as a heating element during resistance welding. This heating element then served to develop a resistance welding process between thermoplastic composite adherents. Following that, a process window was established to improve our control over the process and the performance of the joints. Finally, the nanocomposite heating element served to develop a resistance welding process with a thermoplastic elastomer to form a flexible joint.