Welded structural joint between a high-performance thermoplastic matrix composite material and an elastomer by powder functionalization

Abstract

A method for producing, by welding, a joint between a thermoplastic matrix composite material and an elastomeric material. The elastomeric material is functionalized by forming a thin layer of elastomeric material incorporating particles of thermoplastic material and melting the thin layer onto the surface of the elastomeric material during the pressure-vulcanization of the elastomer. The functionalized surface of the elastomeric material is welded to the thermoplastic material of the composite. The welding operation includes interposing a metal fabric coated with thermoplastic material between the surfaces of the elastomer and the composite that are welded to each other, and passing an electric current through same, resulting in the surface melting of the two materials.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.