| abstract |
Methods of modifying substrates, in particular joining pipes, especially pipes composed of glass fiber-reinforced polymers, make use of heat-recoverable conductive polymer articles. An insert is placed between the substrate and the article, and undergoes a desired chemical and/or physical change when the article is recovered. Preferably the insert is a fiber-reinforced thermosetting polymer which is cured in situ against the substrate. Preferably the conductive polymer is a sintered material or another material having good physical properties above its recovery temperature. |