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A special issue of Journal of Composites Science (ISSN 2504-477X).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2026 | Viewed by 4415

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Francesco Tornabene

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Guest Editor

Department of Innovation Engineering, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
Interests: advanced composite materials; computational mechanics; doubly curved shells; functionally graded materials; generalized differential quadrature; multifield analysis; nanomaterials and nanotechnology; solid mechanics; theory of structures
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

As Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Composites Science, I am pleased to announce this Special Issue, entitled “Feature Papers in Journal of Composites Science in 2026”. This Special Issue will be a collection of articles from Editorial Board Members, Guest Editors, and Leading Researchers discussing new knowledge or new cutting-edge developments in the science of composites in 2025. Potential topics include but are not limited to the following items:

Fiber-reinforced composites;
Novel composites;
Nanocomposites;
Biomedical composites;
Energy composites;
Modeling, nondestructive evaluation;
Processing and manufacturing, properties and performance;
Repair, testing, nanotechnology;
Physics, chemistry, and mechanics characterization of composites.

Dr. Francesco Tornabene
Guest Editor

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-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Composites Science 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 1800 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

fiber-reinforced composites
novel composites
nanocomposites
biomedical composites
energy composites
modeling, nondestructive evaluation
processing and manufacturing, properties and performance
repair, testing, nanotechnology
physics, chemistry, and mechanics characterization of composites

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 3926 KB

Open AccessArticle

Dual-Material FFF Honeycomb Structures with Interlocking TPU/PLA Joints: Experimental and Analytical Investigation

by Thomas Panagiotopoulos, Ioannis Fillipos Kyriakidis, Michel Theodor Mansour, Constantine David, Dimitrios Tzetzis, Apostolos Korlos and Konstantinos Tsongas

J. Compos. Sci. 2026, 10(6), 292; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs10060292 - 27 May 2026

Viewed by 272

Abstract

Dual-material additive manufacturing enables the design of cellular structures with a tailored mechanical response through controlled material distribution and interfacial architecture. In this research, honeycomb structures fabricated by Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) using dual-material TPU/PLA configurations have been systematically investigated. Particular emphasis is placed on interlocking TPU/PLA joint designs, implemented through tau-shaped and teeth-based geometries, to evaluate their role in load transfer and structural performance. An experimental–analytical model has been developed to characterize the compressive force–displacement response of dual-material honeycombs, capturing the three characteristic deformation regimes—initial stiffness, progressive collapse, and densification—while linking the effective stiffness to the underlying beam-lattice mechanics. The relative contributions of axial and bending deformation mechanisms are quantified through a comparative beam element approach, introducing dimensionless coefficients that reflect the governing deformation mode. The results reveal that the mechanical response is bending-dominated for the examined configurations. The configuration with PLA at the nodes and TPU at the struts exhibits a higher load-carrying capacity and a more stable collapse regime due to a more balanced axial–bending interaction. In contrast, alternative material distributions lead to earlier instability and reduced structural efficiency. The proposed analytical model demonstrates excellent agreement with the experimental data across all configurations. The results demonstrate that properly designed dual-material interlocks can enhance load transfer, decrease stress concentrations, and refine the overall mechanical performance of lightweight cellular structures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Journal of Composites Science in 2026)

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23 pages, 6596 KB

Open AccessArticle

High β-Phase PVDF Copolymer Nanocomposite Films with Dielectric and Piezoelectric Behavior

by Lorenzo Broggio, Giacomo Moretti, Sandra Dirè and Andrea Dorigato

J. Compos. Sci. 2026, 10(6), 286; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs10060286 - 23 May 2026

Viewed by 426

Abstract

Polymer–ceramic piezoelectric composites are widely investigated to combine the high piezoelectric performance of ferroelectric ceramics with the flexibility and processability of electroactive polymers. However, achieving enhanced dielectric properties while preserving the intrinsic piezoelectric response of the polymer matrix remains challenging, particularly due to dielectric mismatch between the constituent phases and interfacial effects. In this work, barium titanate (BaTiO₃) loaded poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) (PVDF-TrFE) nanocomposites were fabricated by solvent casting using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and polysorbate 80 (PS80) as dispersing agents, aiming to obtain polarizable materials capable of retaining high piezoelectric strain coefficient (d₃₃) values and potentially exploiting the opposite polarity of matrix and filler through tailored poling strategies. Morphological, crystallographic, structural, thermal, thermomechanical, dielectric, and piezoelectric characterizations were performed by SEM/EDXS, XRD, FTIR, DSC, TGA, DMTA, dielectric spectroscopy, and d₃₃ measurements. Both dispersants improved filler dispersion and film densification, increasing the crystalline fraction of the matrix, without altering the relative fraction of β-phase (up to 93%). PVP enabled moderate and stable permittivity enhancement with weak frequency dependence, whereas PS80 introduced an electrically active interfacial contribution that amplified low-frequency permittivity at high filler loadings but made the permittivity more frequency-dependent. The piezoelectric response (between −20 pC/N and −25 pC/N) remained predominantly governed by the polymer phase, suggesting limited polarization played by BaTiO₃. These results underlined the critical role of interfacial electrical properties in designing stable high-performance flexible PVDF-TrFE/BaTiO₃ composites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Journal of Composites Science in 2026)

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17 pages, 5918 KB

Open AccessArticle

Thermoresistive Characterization of Carbon Nanotube Yarn Monofilament Composites for Temperature Sensing

by Majed Alowaid, Tannaz Tayyarian, Iriana García Guerra, Maria Alexandra Erquiaga, Nader Alhabradi, Pythagore L. Kyabutwa, Abdulrahman S. Binfaris, Shouzhong Zou, Omar Rodríguez Uicab and Jandro L. Abot

J. Compos. Sci. 2026, 10(5), 268; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs10050268 - 14 May 2026

Viewed by 544

Abstract

Carbon nanotube yarn (CNTY) monofilament composites were investigated for integrated temperature sensing by embedding a single CNTY in a vinyl ester resin (VER) and measuring the electrical resistance change by tapping into the thermoresistive response of the CNTY. The effect of curing condition on the thermoresistive response was evaluated using dwell tests and repeated heating–cooling cycles, comparing specimens cured at room temperature (RT) with those post-cured at 140 °C for 1 h. RT-cured CNTY/VER monofilament composites exhibited electrical resistance drift, with the resistance failing to return to its initial value after each thermal cycle, resulting in a residual resistance change of ~8.85%. In contrast, post-cured (PC) specimens showed a much smaller residual change (−0.08%) after cycle completion. Thermal cycling from RT (~25 °C) to 100 °C produced a nearly linear negative thermoresistive response. The average heating and cooling TCR values were −7.98 × 10⁻⁴ °C⁻¹ and −8.32 × 10⁻⁴ °C⁻¹ for CNTY/VER, and −7.93 × 10⁻⁴ °C⁻¹ and −7.13 × 10⁻⁴ °C⁻¹ for CNTY/VER-PC, respectively. The hysteresis decreased from 21.65% for RT-cured specimens to 12.49% after post-curing, accompanied by improved linearity. The influence of heating rate on TCR was also examined for both freestanding CNTYs and CNTY/VER monofilament composites. The observed response is attributed to coupled matrix–yarn effects (wetting, resin infiltration, and shrinkage) together with temperature-dependent electron transport across CNT junctions. Finally, CNTY/VER monofilament composites demonstrated the ability to estimate internal temperatures under various thermal programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Journal of Composites Science in 2026)

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18 pages, 7511 KB

Open AccessArticle

Study of Microwave Characteristics and Compressive Strength of Mg_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄/Polystyrene/Activated Carbon Composites with Core-Shell Structure

by Dauren B. Kadyrzhanov, Rafael I. Shakirzyanov, Kanat M. Makhanov, Sofiya A. Maznykh and Dilnaz K. Zhamikhanova

J. Compos. Sci. 2026, 10(5), 239; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs10050239 - 29 Apr 2026

Viewed by 1022

Abstract

Due to the widespread use of microwave electromagnetic radiation, this study examines the microwave electromagnetic properties and compressive strength of composites made from inexpensive components such as Mg_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄, polystyrene, and activated carbon. Experimental samples were fabricated using thermopressing. The formation of the dielectric core/shell structure for Mg-Zn/polystyrene composites (1:1) and composites with activated carbon additives at weight concentrations of 3, 6.6, and 9.0% was determined using SEM image analysis. Microwave properties were investigated by analyzing the frequency dependences of complex permittivity and magnetic permeability in the frequency range of 100 MHz–5 GHz. As shown by the simulation and experimental measurements of scattering parameters obtained, the compost shows improved microwave absorption properties in the frequency range of 1–5 GHz. Reflection loss spectra showed peaks with values of −17.8 and −18 dB in the frequency range of 2.5–5 GHz for samples with 4.8 wt. % and 6.6 wt. % carbon loading, respectively. The absorption bandwidths of −10 dB in the range of 1.7–2.13 GHz were observed in the best samples. Studies have shown that samples containing 9.0 wt. % of carbon material with thicknesses of 6–10 mm can be considered as an electromagnetic shielding material in the microwave range 1–5 GHz. It was shown that, despite a decrease in porosity from 15.59 to 7.17%, with an increase in the concentration of carbon material in the composites, the compressive strength also decreases from 62.05 to 36.45 MPa. The developed composites are potentially suitable as microwave absorbers for civil applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Journal of Composites Science in 2026)

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15 pages, 8937 KB

Open AccessArticle

Lay-Up Optimization for Bicycle Frame Tubular Composite Structures Produced with Aligned Formable Fibre Technology (AFFT^™)

by Tommaso Vitali, Paolo Meda, Federico Olla, Roberto Frassine and Marco Luigi Longana

J. Compos. Sci. 2026, 10(4), 176; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs10040176 - 25 Mar 2026

Viewed by 906

Abstract

With Aligned Formable Fibre Technology (AFFT^™), fibers are reformatted into highly oriented epoxy prepreg tapes, enabling the structural reuse of recycled composite waste. The present study investigates whether discontinuous fiber laminates produced with AFFT^™ can be characterized and optimized with the same finite-element workflows long established for continuous fiber composites and whether the resulting structures meet demanding stiffness targets. Initially, various manufacturing methods were adopted, including vacuum bagging, compression molding at 7 bar to simulate autoclave conditions, and compression molding at 90 bar, comprising the three most reasonable manufacturing processes for AFFT^™ laminates. Experimentally measured orthotropic properties were introduced into a finite-element model representing an idealized bicycle top tube, which was chosen as a case study. A genetic algorithm screened candidate stacking sequences, minimizing the combined bending-and-torsion deflection. The best lay-ups reduced deformation by more than 30% compared to a quasi-isotropic baseline, showing that well-oriented short fibers can significantly contribute to the stiffness of composites. Tubes produced with the optimized lay-up were tested in three-point bending tests, and the measured stiffness matched simulations within 5%. These results confirm a key point for sustainable engineering: despite the absence of continuous fibers, conventional simulation strategies accurately predict the performance of AFFT^™ laminates and can be used as the basis for effective genetic optimization. This validation is significant: it enables the design of stiff, high-performance structures from recycled materials using established, cost-effective methods. By proving that optimization strategies developed for traditional continuous fiber composites apply to AFFT^™, this study offers a trusted and accessible pathway to scale circular economy solutions in next-generation composite products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Journal of Composites Science in 2026)

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20 pages, 28591 KB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Biomass-Reinforced PLA Composites for 3D Printing

by Regina Silva, Faouzia Tayari, Tiago Brilhante, Isabel Cardoso, Pedro Pinto, Rui Ribeiro, Vânia Freitas, Artur Ferreira and Nuno Gama

J. Compos. Sci. 2026, 10(3), 136; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs10030136 - 5 Mar 2026

Viewed by 690

Abstract

In this study, poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composites reinforced with lignocellulosic materials were developed to reduce the environmental impact of plastics. PLA–biomass composites, incorporating cork, rice husk, coffee grounds, or oak gall at loadings of 2.5% to 20.0% (w.w⁻¹), were produced via melt extrusion and subsequently used in 3D printing. The results showed that the incorporation of biomass reduced the mechanical performance of the composites despite being adequate for 3D printing. Rice husk and coffee grounds increased filament density, whereas cork and oak gall decreased it. Thermal properties were largely preserved, with glass transition temperatures (T_g) near 70 °C and decomposition temperatures well above the printing temperature, indicating that thermal resistance was not compromised. SEM analysis of the printed objects revealed good layer definition for neat PLA and rice husk composites, highlighting rice husk as the most promising biomass filler in terms of print quality. Hence, the results demonstrated that incorporating rice husk into PLA offers a viable route for more sustainable composites suitable for additive manufacturing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Journal of Composites Science in 2026)

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