A Feasibility Study on Microwave Joining of GFRP Composite Pipes with Interlayer Coupling Agents

This paper investigates the feasibility of energy, economic, and environment way to joining the GFRP pipes. These GFRP pipes are used to transport chemicals, fuel, oil, and natural gases. Microwave joining is economic and energy-efficient method for bonding thermoset composite with suitable intercoupling layers. Microwave joining was carried out in 2.45 GHz furnace with suitable susceptor and various coupling agents such as molten polypropylene and polyethylene, epoxy resin liquid, and sodium silicate. These interlayered GFRP pipes were tested to evaluate their lap shear strength and bond strength. Among the various coupling agents used, polyethylene interlayered coupling agent joints exhibited a good shear strength. The abstract should summarize the contents of the paper in short terms, i.e., 150–250 words.