AWS WHC-5.10:2015

Composites
Scope : Highly developed composites have many desirable properties as structural materials, but unless the composites can be successfully joined, applications are limited. This chapter reflects basic information on welding and joining methods that have elevated composites to the list of major materials to be considered by fabricators and often selected. The two types of composites discussed in this chapter are polymeric composites and metal matrix composites. A section on nanocomposites and information on additive manufacturing are included. Several processes and process variations for the welding or joining of these composites are described. Polymeric composites consist of two or more distinct materials that have been combined to create unique properties that are usually not available from a single material. In addition to the polymer matrix, these composites may include fibers, particulates, nanoparticles, or even carbon nanotubes. Metal matrix composites are part of a broader class of engineered materials, so called because the combination of matrix and reinforcement can be custom-manufactured to produce unique physical and mechanical properties