Mechanical Fastening Methods of Polymer-Based Composites

Abstract

Polymers and polymeric composites are increasingly used in a variety of products, mainly due to their associated weight savings and ease of installation. There are three main joining methods for polymers and polymeric composites: mechanical fixing, bonding and welding. When combining polymer materials and polymer matrix composite materials, the components must be combined to meet both mechanical loads (static and dynamic) and environmental loads (temperature and humidity). However, especially when combining composites consisting of materials with different physical and chemical properties, such as polymers and metals, it is very difficult to combine them with adhesives and weld them in a way that preserves the structural integrity of the structures. In such cases, mechanical fixing procedures are an important solution. This article aims to explain the basic principles of the mechanical fixing process the main mechanical fixing methods that can be used in joining polymer-based composite materials and to various features of these methods.