Research progress in friction stir welding of polymer and polymer composites

Friction stir welding/processing (FSW/P), involved temperature, mechanics, metallurgy and their interaction, is highly complex solid state joining and processing technology, which has been widely used to join aluminum alloy, titanium alloy and the other materials which is difficultly welded by fusion welding. Recently, researchers at home and abroad proposed that FSW has potential to weld polymers and polymer matrix composites. In this review, current understanding and development of the FSW of polymers and polymer matrix composites were addressed, such as joint formation, process, microstructures, mechanical properties, materials flow and new technologies of FSW/P. On this base, further scientific research and engineering development of FSW/P processes were identified.