Abstract
The modern and eco-friendly friction stir welding (FSW) method allows the combination of even such materials that are considered to be non-weldable. The development of FSW technology in recent years has allowed a rapid increase in the understanding of the mechanism of this process and made it possible to perform the first welding trials of modern polymeric and composite materials, the joining of which was previously a challenge. The following review work focuses on presenting the current state of the art on applying this method to particular groups of materials. The paper has been divided into subchapters focusing on the most frequently used construction materials, with particular emphasis on their properties, applications, and usage of the FSW method for these materials. Mechanisms of joint creation are discussed, and the microstructure of joints and the influence of material characteristics on the welding process are described. The biggest problems observed during FSW of these materials and potential causes of their occurrence are quoted. The influence of particular parameters on the properties of manufactured joints for each group of materials is discussed on the basis of a wide literature review.