When joining metals together, the usual method is welding. This, however, leads to changes in their structure as well as their appearance. Researchers have now developed an alternative that is able to join aluminium alloys with each other and with polymers.

Researchers have developed an etching process that allows them to establish a stable bond between aluminium and aluminium alloys as well as between aluminium and plastic. This can be an alternative to any welding and bonding processes.