Role of multiwalled carbon nanotube reinforcement on welding characteristics of thermoplastics at varying tool traverse speeds

The present study investigates the impact of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) reinforcement on the welding properties of dissimilar thermoplastics, polystyrene (PS), and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) in friction stir welding (FSW). Experiments were conducted with and without the incorporation of MWCNTs at different traverse speeds (TS) of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 mm/s, and constant rotation speed of 600 rpm. The influence of varying TS on friction stir welded ABS and PS material with MWCNT distribution is discussed in the present study. The tensile testing demonstrated that joining with MWCNT provides higher joint strength and improved joint efficiency at a TS of 0.2 mm/s. The result revealed that MWCNTs enhance the mechanical properties of FSW and significantly welded dissimilar thermoplastics, offering new possibilities for advanced polymer-based applications in industrial sectors.