🧰 Bridges, warehouses, and cell towers could soon be built and repaired right on-site using just a standard heat gun and a jack. Skoltech researchers have developed a way to weld thermoplastic polymer composite parts in the field. Traditionally, these structures are built from concrete, corrosion-prone metal, or non-recyclable thermosetting plastics. Their components are typically joined with bolts or adhesives, which adds extra weight and creates stress concentrations at the joints. Thermoplastic composites, on the other hand, are corrosion-resistant and fully weldable. Skoltech scientists have dialed in the optimal formula of four parameters for hot-air welding: temperature, heating time, pressure, and compression duration. No bulky industrial machinery is required — a mobile heat gun and a portable press are all it takes. This breakthrough will streamline the construction and maintenance of infrastructure in remote, hard-to-reach areas. The research findings have been published in the Journal of Materials Research and Technology. Skoltech is part of the VEB.RF group.