Microwave Curing for Reversible Bonding of Composites

Fastening and joining technology has lagged behind the progress that has been made in other areas of composites for advanced air vehicles. Aerotech proposes the development of reversible polymeric adhesive bonding of composites using variable frequency microwave energy. With this method, composites are bonded using Poly Ether Ether Ketone (a high temperature thermoplastic) which is cured using variable frequency microwave energy applied at the bond line. When required, the polymeric adhesive can be reheated, causing the bond to disintegrate. Thus reversible bonding can be achieved. During Phase I, Aerotech and its partners, the DOE's Oak Ridge National Lab and Northrop Grumman, will demonstrate the technical feasibility of this process by bonding test specimens and subjecting them to a lap shear test and C-scans. During Phase II, volume production processes will be investigated. During Phase I, a theoretical study will be undertaken to examine the feasibility of a portable variable frequency applicator.