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
Interests: nano-synthesized cementitious materials; smart and sustainable material innovation using 3D printing technology; ductile fiber-reinforced polymer composites
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
Manuscript Submission Information
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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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