Friction-based welding of metal to polymer

The hybrid structures between polymer (or polymer matrix composites) and metal (aluminum alloy) have become the effective ways to produce the lighter, safer and more environment friendly vehicles for the manufacturing fields of automotive and aerospace. The state-of-the-art friction-based welding techniques, such as friction stir welding (FSW), friction spot joining (FSpJ), friction lap welding (FLW) or friction stir lap welding (FSLW), Friction self-riveting welding (FSRW), are characterized by low peak temperature, severe plastic deformation, energy efficiency and non-pollution, which can simultaneously realize the mechanical and chemical bonding between polymer and metal, improving the mechanical performances of hybrid joints. The purpose of this chapter is to elucidate the benefits of friction-based joining techniques so that these methods may be better exploited and industrialized.