A comprehensive review on sustainability evaluation of joining methods for engineering materials

Joining methods are crucial for assembling an engineering product, which facilitate the integration of different parts, enabling functional and structural integrity in diverse applications. Broadly categorised joining methods, such as mechanical joint, adhesive joint and fusion joint have their own unique advantages and challenges for different materials, such as plastics, metals, ceramics, and composites. Evaluating these joining methods for sustainability along with performance are essential due to the growing emphasis on reducing environmental impact and enhancing resource efficiency throughout the lifecycle of products. This review paper will assess the environmental impact of each method by examining various factors, such as energy consumption, emissions, and waste generation. It will also explore the economic viability of the methods, considering initial investment, maintenance costs, and potential long-term savings. The assessment reveals how different joining methods perform against various sustainability factors throughout the pre-use, use, and post-use phases. By providing a comprehensive analysis of these criteria, this review contributes valuable insights into optimising joining methods for sustainability, supporting the development of more environmentally responsible manufacturing practices. This review emphasises the necessity of incorporating sustainability into joining method selection to enhance material performance and reduce ecological footprints. With these multifaceted comparative analyses of joining methods, the paper acts as a valuable resource for future research and industry practices towards more sustainable manufacturing solutions.