Abstract
In the present work, joining of a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer and dual phase 980 steel was studied using the friction bit joining, adhesive bonding, and weldbonding processes. The friction bit joining process was optimized for the maximum joint strength by varying the process parameters. Then, the adhesive bonding and weld bonding (friction bit joining plus adhesive bonding) processes were further developed. Lap shear tensile and cross-tension testing were used to assess the joint integrity of each process. Fractured specimens were compared for the individual processes. The microstructures in the joining bit ranged from tempered martensite to fully martensite in the cross-section view of friction bit-joined specimens. Additionally, the thermal decomposition temperature of the as-received carbon fiber composite was studied by thermogravimetric analysis. Fourier-transform infrared–attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction measurements showed minimal variations in the absorption peak and diffraction peak patterns, indicating insignificant thermal degradation of the carbon fiber matrix due to friction bit joining.
