Linear friction welding of light metals and carbon fiber-reinforced plastics

Light metals such as Ti and Al, and carbon fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRP) are important materials employed in the aerospace and automobile industries. In this study, a thermally conductive linear friction welding (LFW) process was developed for joining these dissimilar materials, particularly Al and CFRP. By adjusting the applied pressure of LFW, the temperature at the bonding interface can be set above the melting point and below the pyrolysis point of CFRP. This made it possible to successfully accelerate the bonding reaction while preventing the formation of defects. The obtained results form the basis for the development of LFW processes used for joining dissimilar materials.