A NEW HYPOTHESIS TO DESCRIBE THE ACTING MECHANISMS IN A WELDED JOINT OF SEMI-CRYSTALLINE THERMOPLASTICS

摘要

Since it is known that cross-linked Polyethylene can be welded, it is clear that the acting mechanisms in the interior of a welded joint are not adequately explained yet. There are several criterion, hypotheses and models that try to describe what happens in a welded joint. In this paper two new promising hypotheses, the Mixed Crystal Hypothesis and the Nexus Hypothesis, are introduced. The Mixed Crystal Hypothesis can be proven by the help of several different examination methods. Other examinations support the Nexus Hypothesis.