Environmental Degradation of Composites: Microscopic Characterization and Analysis

A special issue of Journal of Composites Science (ISSN 2504-477X). This special issue belongs to the section "Composites Modelling and Characterization".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 1 January 2026 | Viewed by 336

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science, The University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA
Interests: nano-synthesized cementitious materials; smart and sustainable material innovation using 3D printing technology; ductile fiber-reinforced polymer composites

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science, The University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA
Interests: high-volume fly ash concrete; self-consolidating concrete; prestressed concrete; fiber-reinforced cementitious composites; enamel-coated reinforcing steel; fiber-reinforced polymers; microcellular polymeric foams

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Composite materials play a crucial role in numerous industries, offering lightweight, high-strength alternatives to traditional materials. However, the long-term durability of some composites is significantly compromised by exposure to harsh environments such as chlorides, sulfates, alkalis, UV radiation, and other harsh chemical and physical stressors. This Special Issue focuses on microscopic characterization techniques for composite materials that reveal degradation mechanisms, aging processes, and failure modes at the nano- and microstructural levels.

We invite contributions that employ advanced characterization methods—including scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM/TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Raman spectroscopy—to investigate the environmental degradation of composites. Topics of interest include multi-scale approaches to studying chemical attack, water ingress, phase separation, and interfacial debonding, as well as microscopic analysis of protective coatings and barrier materials. Additionally, we welcome studies integrating experimental and machine learning techniques for the predictive modeling of degradation based on microstructural evolution. Comparative studies on bio-based versus synthetic polymer composites under aggressive conditions are also encouraged.

By bringing together innovative research from materials science, chemistry, and engineering, this Special Issue aims to deepen our fundamental understanding of degradation phenomena and guide the development of more resilient composite systems. We welcome original research articles, reviews, and case studies that provide novel insights into the microscopic behavior of composites in extreme environments.

Dr. Shreya Vemuganti
Prof. Dr. Jeffery S. Volz
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • composite materials
  • sustainable and bio-based composites
  • microscopic characterization
  • environmental degradation
  • aging and failure analysis
  • harsh environments
  • chloride and sulfate exposure
  • alkali resistance
  • UV degradation
  • scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
  • transmission electron microscopy (TEM)
  • atomic force microscopy (AFM)
  • X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)
  • Raman spectroscopy
  • water ingress and chemical attack
  • interfacial debonding
  • protective coatings
  • predictive modeling
  • machine learning in materials science

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

19 pages, 5377 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes on the Pull-Off Strength of Polymer Concrete Overlays on Concrete Substrates with Sulfate Exposure
by Ali Akbarpour, Jeffery Volz and Shreya Vemuganti
J. Compos. Sci. 2025, 9(6), 272; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs9060272 - 29 May 2025
Viewed by 207
Abstract
Polymer concrete (PC) is recognized for its lightweight nature, wear resistance, and rapid curing, making it well-suited for the repair of deteriorated infrastructure. This research critically addresses the challenge of enhancing overlay adhesion to compromised substrates by uniquely evaluating the role of pristine [...] Read more.
Polymer concrete (PC) is recognized for its lightweight nature, wear resistance, and rapid curing, making it well-suited for the repair of deteriorated infrastructure. This research critically addresses the challenge of enhancing overlay adhesion to compromised substrates by uniquely evaluating the role of pristine versus functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in improving polymer concrete (PC) bond strength, particularly on concrete deteriorated by sulfate attack. PC mixtures containing varying concentrations of MWCNTs (0%, 0.25%, and 0.5% by weight) were prepared and tested for their mechanical properties, including compressive strength, modulus of rupture, and pull-off strength. Pull-off tests were conducted to assess the bond between PC overlays and Portland cement concrete (PCC) substrates. To examine the effects of substrate deterioration, PCC specimens were cured under two conditions: standard and sulfate-exposed environments. The results showed that neat polymer concrete (PC-Neat) achieved a high average pull-off strength of 2.82 MPa under normal conditions. Incorporating 0.25% pristine MWCNTs (PC-P25) significantly reduced the bond strength to 0.039 MPa. In contrast, improved performance was observed with functionalized MWCNTs. The addition of 0.5% COOH-functionalized MWCNTs (PC-FC50) yielded a pull-off strength of 2.22 MPa under normal conditions and 1.65 MPa in sulfate environments. Notably, under sulfate exposure, functionalized MWCNTs enhanced the bond strength by up to 15% compared to PC-Neat, highlighting their potential in aggressive environments. This distinct improvement in bond strength presents a significant finding, demonstrating a novel pathway for developing more resilient repair materials for infrastructure exposed to aggressive chemical environments. Full article
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