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Synthesis, Properties, and Applications of Novel Polymer-Based Gels (2nd Edition)

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A special issue of Gels (ISSN 2310-2861). This special issue belongs to the section "Gel Applications".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2026 | Viewed by 3980

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Editors

Prof. Dr. Peng Zhang

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Guest Editor

School of Water Conservancy and Transportation, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
Interests: polymer gels; geopolymer composite; cementitious composite; fiber reinforced concrete; high performance concrete; mechanical property; durability; fracture property
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Yuanxun Zheng

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Guest Editor

School of Water Conservancy and Transportation, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
Interests: recycled concrete; performance improvement; materials durability; fiber-reinforced; nano-modification
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Dr. Zhen Gao

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

School of Water Conservancy and Transportation, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
Interests: geopolymer concrete; high performance concrete; mechanical behavior; microstructure; numerical analysis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Building on the success of the first edition, we are excited to launch a broader second edition of our Special Issue.

Synthesis, Properties, and Applications of Novel Polymer-Based Gels

Recent advancements in polymer science have led to the development of novel polymer-based gels with unique properties and diverse applications. These gels are synthesized through various methods, including free-radical polymerization, click chemistry, and supramolecular assembly, allowing precise control over their structure and functionality. Key innovations include stimuli-responsive hydrogels that adapt to environmental changes (e.g., pH, temperature, or light), self-healing gels with dynamic covalent bonds, and nanocomposite gels reinforced with nanoparticles or 2D materials for enhanced mechanical strength.

These gels exhibit exceptional properties, such as high elasticity, tunable porosity, and biocompatibility, making them suitable for applications in drug delivery, tissue engineering, soft robotics, and wastewater treatment. Such applications involve hydrogels incorporated or encapsulated with healing agents, the interaction between hydrogels and the cementitious matrix, self-healing mechanisms, and the impact of hydrogels on self-healing in cement, alkali-activated materials, and supplementary cementitious materials. For instance, conductive polymer gels are being explored for flexible electronics, while biodegradable polysaccharide-based gels are gaining traction in sustainable packaging and agriculture.

Despite their potential, challenges remain in scalability, long-term stability, and cost-effective production. Given the breadth of the field, this Special Issue will feature only a select few exemplary papers, recognizing that it is impossible to encompass all aspects of polymer gels in a single publication. We hope that these topics will inspire new research and discoveries in the field of polymer gels.

Prof. Dr. Peng Zhang
Prof. Dr. Yuanxun Zheng
Dr. Zhen Gao
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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Gels 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 2100 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.

Keywords

polymer gels
stimuli-responsive
self-healing
nanocomposite
drug delivery
tissue engineering
soft robotics
wastewater treatment
cementitious matrix
flexible electronics
sustainable packaging
agriculture

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 10357 KB

Open AccessArticle

From Fundamental Self-Assembly Studies to Applications in Everyday Life: The Formation of a Supramolecular Shampoo

by Sofia Chinelli, Roberta Stile, Demetra Giuri and Claudia Tomasini

Gels 2026, 12(7), 589; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels12070589 - 2 Jul 2026

Viewed by 140

Abstract

Amino acid-based surfactants are promising ingredients for cosmetic formulations, combining mildness with intrinsic self-assembly properties. A recent challenge in the cosmetic field is the replacement of synthetic polymers, used as rheological modifiers, with sustainable and biodegradable alternatives. In this work, sodium cocoyl glycinate (SCG) and sodium cocoyl alaninate (SCA) were investigated as both surfactants and supramolecular gelators for the development of a “supramolecular shampoo”. pK_a analysis and rheological studies revealed that SCG forms robust gel networks at pH 5, whereas SCA shows limited stability. The progressive incorporation of typical cosmetic ingredients, including cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB), preservatives, conditioning agents, and fragrance, led to a controlled decrease in mechanical strength while preserving pseudoplastic behavior. The final formulation remained stable under accelerated aging and freeze–thaw conditions for months. These results demonstrate that supramolecular structuring offers a viable and sustainable alternative to conventional polymer-based systems in shampoo formulations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis, Properties, and Applications of Novel Polymer-Based Gels (2nd Edition))

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22 pages, 21000 KB

Open AccessArticle

Investigating Nonlinear Fatigue Damage Evolution of SBS-Modified Asphalt Mixtures with Physical Gel Structure

by Chenze Fang, Yuanzhao Chen, Yi Lu, Zhenxia Li, Hui Li, Xu Guo, Jingyu Yang and Tengteng Guo

Gels 2026, 12(6), 559; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels12060559 - 22 Jun 2026

Viewed by 183

Abstract

Styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) modifier can enhance the resistance of asphalt mixtures to load-induced deformation and fatigue cracking by constructing a three-dimensional physical gel network. However, a rigorous mechanical characterization of this mechanism remains lacking. This study elucidates the nonlinear fatigue damage evolution of SBS-modified asphalt mixtures with physical gel structures based on residual strain response analysis. Indirect tensile fatigue tests were conducted to characterize the residual strain response of SBS-modified asphalt mixtures. A damage-informed residual strain model was established, and a relative residual strain change rate was defined to analyze the correlation between fatigue cracking and residual strain response. Furthermore, the nonlinear fatigue damage evolution of SBS-modified asphalt mixtures was investigated based on the fatigue damage theory. The results demonstrate a strong correlation between fatigue cracking and a viscoplastic strain in the SBS-modified asphalt mixtures. The proposed residual strain model accurately describes the nonlinear fatigue damage evolution and residual strain response. The relative residual strain change rate serves as a rational indicator of the material’s resistance to fatigue cracking and residual strain accumulation. The SBS modifier enhances resistance to residual strain and fatigue cracking by forming a complex polymer network that establishes a three-dimensional physical gel structure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis, Properties, and Applications of Novel Polymer-Based Gels (2nd Edition))

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20 pages, 24037 KB

Open AccessArticle

Formation and Performance of a Polymer–Cement Composite Gel in Magnesium Phosphate Cement Grouting Materials Modified by Steel Slag and Latex Powder

by Jingwei Zhang, Aolin Zhang and Jia Li

Gels 2026, 12(6), 455; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels12060455 - 22 May 2026

Viewed by 290

Abstract

Magnesium phosphate cement (MPC) shows great potential for complex underground environments due to its rapid-hardening and early-strength properties. However, its large-scale application is hindered by several drawbacks, including high hydration heat, rapid setting, and insufficient long-term durability. To address these limitations, this study developed a novel MPC grouting material modified with steel slag (SS) and redispersible latex powder (LP). We systematically investigated the workability, mechanical properties, durability, and microstructural evolution of this modified system. Results indicate that incorporating SS and LP decreases both the fluidity and setting time of the grout. An optimal SS dosage accelerates reaction kinetics and raises the peak hydration temperature. Conversely, the LP-induced polymer film suppresses the overall temperature rise, delaying the first exothermic peak and advancing the second. The incorporation of 5% steel slag increased the 28-day compressive strength of the MPC to 54.86 MPa. Building on this, the combined addition of 0.15% latex powder further elevated the strength to 58.82 MPa. Microstructural and pore analyses confirmed that the steel slag enhanced interfacial bonding through physical filling and the formation of calcium phosphate crystals. Meanwhile, the latex powder formed a continuous polymer film, which tightly wrapped and bridged the hydration products and unreacted particles. This synergistic mechanism effectively sealed the capillary pores and reduced the proportion of harmful pores by 15.99% compared to the control group. Consequently, the densified MPC matrix laid a solid microstructural foundation for the material’s excellent durability. It offers reliable, high-performance material for seepage control and strata reinforcement in complex environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis, Properties, and Applications of Novel Polymer-Based Gels (2nd Edition))

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17 pages, 4895 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects and Mechanisms of Calcium Silicate Hydrate on Microstructure and Thermal Properties of Hybrid MTMS–Silica Aerogels

by Deyu Kong, Stanley Bryan Kurniawan, Mengqing Huang, Qiuhang Chen and Jintao Liu

Gels 2026, 12(5), 418; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels12050418 - 11 May 2026

Viewed by 587

Abstract

Hybrid MTMS–silica aerogels incorporating calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H), the primary hydration product in cementitious systems, were synthesized via sol–gel processing followed by freeze-drying. The influence of C–S–H loading on pore structure, density, wettability, and thermal transport was investigated. The lowest thermal conductivity (0.068 W/m·K) and tap density (0.30 g/cm³) were obtained at 10% C–S–H loading (wM-CSH10), while the thermal conductivity increases to approximately 0.075–0.082 W/m·K at higher C–S–H content. All samples exhibit mesoporous structures with pore diameters in the range of 10–21 nm. Increasing C–S–H content progressively densified the network, reduced mesopore volume, and enhanced high-temperature mass retention up to 540 °C. FTIR analysis confirmed Si–O–Ca interfacial interactions, while nitrogen adsorption demonstrated persistent mesoporosity across all compositions. Thermal conductivity showed a positive correlation with density, indicating that bulk densification governs heat transport in the hybrid system. Beyond structural modification, the incorporation of C–S–H introduces chemical and microstructural features relevant to cement-based materials, suggesting potential compatibility with cementitious matrices. The results highlight the compositional trade-off between insulation efficiency and structural stability and demonstrate the potential of C–S–H-modified MTMS–silica aerogels for future integration into cement-based composites. These findings provide fundamental insight into their possible use in thermal insulation applications, such as building envelope systems (walls, façades, and roofs used for thermal insulation). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis, Properties, and Applications of Novel Polymer-Based Gels (2nd Edition))

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23 pages, 10066 KB

Open AccessArticle

Role of Air-Entraining Agent in Frost Resistance and Water Absorption Prediction for Gel-Modified Coal Gangue Concrete

by Ruicong Han, Xiaoning Guo, Junfeng Guan, Min Zhang, Shuanghua He and Bin Liu

Gels 2026, 12(4), 318; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels12040318 - 8 Apr 2026

Viewed by 666

Abstract

Due to the high water absorption of coal gangue aggregate, concrete prepared with a high content of this material exhibits a significantly reduced service life under freeze–thaw conditions. This study evaluates the frost resistance of gel-enhanced coal gangue aggregate concrete modified by incorporating nano-SiO₂ and polypropylene fibre (PPF) to generate more C-S-H gel and form a dense structure with different dosages of air-entraining agent (0, 0.004%, 0.008%, 0.012%, and 0.016%). The research results show that when the admixture content is 0.012%, the concrete still exhibits excellent frost resistance after 100 freeze–thaw cycles. The mass loss is only 4.7%, compressive strength loss is 37%, and dynamic elastic modulus loss is 39%, while the specimen maintains the best apparent integrity. In addition, the capillary water absorption rate, initial capillary water absorption rate, and cumulative water absorption all reach their lowest values under this condition, indicating optimal frost resistance performance. Finally, through regression analysis, a highly accurate predictive model for capillary water absorption was established, providing a theoretical basis for further research on the durability and frost resistance of coal gangue aggregate concrete. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis, Properties, and Applications of Novel Polymer-Based Gels (2nd Edition))

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21 pages, 7217 KB

Open AccessArticle

Investigating Reinforcing and Cracking Resistance Behaviors of Waste Sweet Potato Vine Straw Fiber (WSVF) in Gel-like Base Asphalt

by Chenze Fang, Zhenxia Li, Yuanzhao Chen, Xu Guo, Hui Li, Naisheng Guo, Zongyuan Wu, Jingyu Yang and Tengteng Guo

Gels 2026, 12(3), 239; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels12030239 - 13 Mar 2026

Viewed by 529

Abstract

Waste sweet potato vine fiber (WSVF) effectively extends asphalt service life by enhancing cracking resistance in gel-like base asphalt matrices, yet its crack-resistant mechanism lacks mechanical characterization. This study proposes an analytical method for evaluating WSVF-modified asphalt’s crack-resistant behavior based on the principle of mechanical energy balance. First, alkali-treated WSVF with a mass fraction of 1% was added into 70# gel-like base asphalt to prepare WSVF-modified asphalt. Lignin fiber (LF)-modified asphalt and 70# gel-like base asphalt were selected as control groups, and three types of time sweep and scanning electron microscopy tests were conducted. Then, the three-dimensional cracking volume model and damage kinetics model were established for analyzing the cracking response behavior, defining the asphalt damage variable and determining the cracking damage activation energy (E_acd). Finally, the E_acd was used to quantify the difficulty of the cracking damage process for the WSVF-modified asphalt. The reinforcement and cracking resistance mechanisms of WSVF in asphalt were analyzed by the E_acd and asphalt microstructure. The results show that the cracking volume response of WSVF-modified asphalt under cyclic loading presents three-stage nonlinear behaviors. The established fatigue damage kinetics model can accurately describe the fatigue damage evolution process of alkali-treated WSVF-modified asphalt. The E_acd values of WSVF-modified asphalt, LF-modified asphalt, and 70# gel-like base asphalt are 10.60 kJ·mol⁻¹, 21.83 kJ·mol⁻¹, and 29.74 kJ·mol⁻¹, respectively. After alkali treatment, the WSVF surface exhibits grooves, demonstrating superior adsorption and storage capacity for asphalt. The WSVF can cross link through the bonding effect of asphalt and form a three-dimensional network framework structure, which can significantly increase the E_acd and provide strengthening and toughening effects on gel-like base asphalt. In summary, E_acd values are used as a mechanical indicator to quantitatively evaluate the fatigue cracking resistance of WSVF-modified asphalt. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis, Properties, and Applications of Novel Polymer-Based Gels (2nd Edition))

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25 pages, 4581 KB

Open AccessArticle

Prediction of Impact Resistance of Nano-SiO₂ and Hybrid Fiber Modified Geopolymer Gel Concrete in Marine Wet–Thermal and Chloride Salt Environment

by Canhua Lai, Peng Zhang, Xiaobing Dai and Yuanxun Zheng

Gels 2026, 12(3), 215; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels12030215 - 5 Mar 2026

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 876

Abstract

The oceanic wet–thermal and chloride salt environment creates extremely harsh service conditions for marine infrastructures. As a green construction material, geopolymer concrete has a promising application prospect in marine engineering due to its excellent durability. The impact resistance of geopolymer concrete subjected to wet–thermal and chloride salt environment is of great significance for the durability and quality of marine engineering structures. This study uses nano-SiO₂ (NS) and hybrid fibers (HF) to enhance the impact resistance of geopolymer gel concrete (GPC). Radial basis function (RBF) and back-propagation (BP) composite neural networks are used to predict the impact resistance of NS and HF-reinforced geopolymer gel concrete (NSHFGPC). The impact resistance of NSHFGPC specimens is characterized by two indicators: the cumulative number of repeated impact blows required to initiate the first visible crack (N₁) and the cumulative number of impact blows corresponding to ultimate failure (N₂). To evaluate the durability of NSHFGPC under oceanic conditions, specimens were exposed to a simulated marine environment within a simulation test chamber for 60 days prior to impact testing. The 60-day duration was selected to achieve a sufficient level of chloride penetration and matrix aging. Based on the resulting experimental database, an RBF-BP neural network was constructed to predict the material’s impact resistance. In this study, grid search and K-fold cross-validation were employed to select the optimal hyperparameters. Compared to standalone RBF and BP models, the RBF-BP network demonstrated superior performance, achieving R² values of 0.900 and 0.922. These results represent improvements of 20.18% and 11.18% over the standalone RBF model, respectively. Consequently, the RBF-BP algorithm serves as an experimental tool for predicting NSHFGPC impact resistance and guiding future mix design optimization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis, Properties, and Applications of Novel Polymer-Based Gels (2nd Edition))

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