9400802 Benatar The goal of this research is to improve our understanding of the joining of thermoplastics and curing of thermoset polymers and composites using intrinsically conductive polymers (ICPs). The research will cover three areas: the development of experimental protocols and the modelling of microwave, dielectric, induction, and resistance welding of plastics and composites using ICPs, the development of a predictive model for charge transport and electromagnetic radiation response mechanisms and their relation to the molecular structure and morphology of the conductive polymer, and the development of a variety of heating elements using intrinsically conductive polymers and the measurement and modelling of the relationship between the macroscopic structure of these elements and their electrical, rheological, and mechanical properties. The welding and adhesive bonding of plastics and composites are desirable because they minimize added weight, provide uniform load distribution at the joint, and are economical.
