Studies on Producing Hybrid Material Sheets (Combination of Polyethylene and Polypropylene Sheets) via Friction Stir Welding Process: Evaluating Microstructure, Tensile and Flexural Properties for Potential Engineering Applications-A Review

Friction stir welding is a solid state welding process, where metal is not melted and uses a non- consumable cylindrical shouldered tool with profiled pin rotated and gradually plunged into the weld joint that are to be welded together. Friction stir welding is suitable for producing joints, especially in light weight materials, which are particularly interesting due to the weight saving potential. Thermoplastics have extensive applications in the present industry because they offer excellent physical and corrosion properties, high degree freedom of processing and design. The main aim of this study was to investigate the weldability of synthetic organic polymers (high density polyethylene and polypropylene) sheets via friction stir welding and effect of process parameters on microstructure and mechanical properties of welded sheets. Detail tool study will be carried out to make the process cost effective. The parameters under study were pin rotational speed and transverse speed of tool. Tensile and bend test were done in order to evaluate mechanical behavior of material. Also in the present investigation there is no addition of extra coating of material on tool but instead the surface is deformed under huge compressive load using friction stir welding equipment. All the welding operations were done at the room temperature.