Advanced Joining Technology of Metal–Polymer Hybrids

Dear Colleagues,

We are proud to introduce the upcoming Special Issue of Metals, entitled “Advanced Joining Technology of Metal–Polymer Hybrids. This Issue aims to shed light on cutting-edge advancements in the realm of joining metal components with polymers or composites. The fusion of metals and polymers has garnered considerable attention across industries due to the unique advantages it offers, such as lightweight structures, enhanced mechanical properties, and superior corrosion resistance. This Special Issue will serve as a platform to explore novel techniques, delve into research history, and discuss evolving challenges in this ever-expanding field.

The integration of metal and polymer materials dates back to early attempts at enhancing structural performance and diversifying material properties. Over the years, researchers have pioneered numerous joining techniques, from traditional methods like adhesive bonding, mechanical fastening, and welding to modern innovations such as laser-assisted joining, friction stir welding, and 3D printing. These developments have enabled the creation of hybrid structures that find applications in automotive, aerospace, healthcare, and other areas

In this Special Issue, we invite contributions that explore the frontiers of hybrid metal-polymer joining technology. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

1. Advanced joining techniques: Investigating state-of-the-art adhesive bonding, welding, and fastening methods to achieve robust metal–polymer connections.
2. Characterization and testing: Exploring novel methodologies for evaluating the mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties of hybrid joints, contributing to a deeper understanding of related joining mechanisms and phenomena.
3. Materials innovation: Delving into the development of new metal-polymer combinations and composite materials to expand the range of applications.
4. Process optimization: Discussing strategies for improving joint efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness. The use of AI, machine learning, statistics or conventional, experience-based approaches to process optimization for predicting and improving hybrid polymer-metal joining technologies and their features.
5. Process modeling: Process modeling plays a pivotal role in optimizing hybrid metal–polymer combination techniques, offering a virtual platform with which to study and predict the behavior of these intricate processes. By simulating the interactions between metals and polymers, process modeling guides the development of efficient, reliable, and cost-effective joining methods in a controlled digital environment.
6. Structures and interfaces: Contributions to hybrid-process-induced changes in properties of joined dissimilar materials, their interfaces and how these reflect on overall structural behavior.
7. Sustainability: Examining environmentally friendly joining solutions and their impact on recyclability. Assessing the impact of hybrid joining thechiques on environment and society.
8. Real-world applications: Presenting case studies showcasing successful implementations of hybrid metal-polymer structures and related joining technologies in diverse industries.

As guest editors, we look forward to assembling a collection of original research articles, reviews, and case studies toprovide valuable insights into the present and future of advanced joining technology in the hybrid metal–polymer domain. We encourage researchers, engineers, and industry professionals to contribute their expertise and discoveries to this Special Issue, fostering collaboration and innovation in this exciting field.

Dr. Francesco Lambiase
Dr. Lucian Blaga
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Metals is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• hybrid materials
• metal–polymer bonding
• advanced joining techniques
• hybrid material structures
• metal–polymer interfaces
• structural adhesives
• composite materials
• joining technology advancements
• lightweight structures
• bonding and adhesion properties