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J. Compos. Sci.
Special Issues
Environmental Degradation of Composites: Microscopic Characterization and Analysis
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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 1508

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Shreya Vemuganti

E-Mail Website
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
Prof. Dr. Jeffery S. Volz

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

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 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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

  • 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 (4 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 1047 KiB  
Article
Three-Dimensional Distribution of Titanium Hydrides After Degradation of Magnesium/Titanium Hybrid Implant Material—A Study by X-Ray Diffraction Contrast Tomography
by Vasil M. Garamus, D. C. Florian Wieland, Julian P. Moosmann, Felix Beckmann, Lars Lottermoser, Maria Serdechnova, Carsten Blawert, Mohammad Fazel, Eshwara P. S. Nidadavolu, Wolfgang Limberg, Thomas Ebel, Rregine Willumeit-Römer and Berit Zeller-Plumhoff
J. Compos. Sci. 2025, 9(8), 396; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs9080396 - 26 Jul 2025
Viewed by 60
Abstract
Hybrid implants composed of magnesium and titanium are a promising direction in orthopaedics, as these implants combine the stability of titanium with the biological activity of magnesium. These partly soluble implants require careful investigation, as the degradation of magnesium releases hydrogen, which can [...] Read more.
Hybrid implants composed of magnesium and titanium are a promising direction in orthopaedics, as these implants combine the stability of titanium with the biological activity of magnesium. These partly soluble implants require careful investigation, as the degradation of magnesium releases hydrogen, which can enter the Ti matrix and thus alter the mechanical properties. To investigate this scenario and quantify the hydrogen uptake along with its structural impacts, we employed inert gas fusion, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and a combination of synchrotron absorption and X-ray diffraction tomography. These techniques enabled us to investigate the concentration and distribution of hydrogen and the formation of hydrides in the samples. Titanium hydride formation was observed in a region approximately 120 µm away from the titanium surface and correlates with the amount of absorbed hydrogen. We speculate that the degradation of magnesium at the magnesium/titanium implant interface leads to the penetration of hydrogen due to a combination of electrochemical and gaseous charging. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Degradation of Composites: Microscopic Characterization and Analysis)
15 pages, 2839 KiB  
Article
A Preliminary Investigation on the Thermal Behavior of Polysaccharides-Modified Casein
by Maria R. Ricciardi, Marco Russo, Vincenza Antonucci, Lorena Affatato and Antonio Langella
J. Compos. Sci. 2025, 9(6), 314; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs9060314 - 19 Jun 2025
Viewed by 356
Abstract
The effective use of natural casein-based adhesives requires the reduction of shrinkage phenomena associated with the evaporation of water, which is largely used for preparation. After the procedure optimization of a casein natural glue by aid of an alkaline solution, it was modified [...] Read more.
The effective use of natural casein-based adhesives requires the reduction of shrinkage phenomena associated with the evaporation of water, which is largely used for preparation. After the procedure optimization of a casein natural glue by aid of an alkaline solution, it was modified by the addition of two different sugars with long and short chains—chitosan and dextrose, respectively—at different weight concentration levels to absorb and retain water. The thermal decomposition and degradation kinetics of prepared sugar-based casein glues have been analyzed by performing thermogravimetric TGA characterization at different heating rates. Experimental results and the evaluation of thermal degradation activation energy by Kissinger analysis evidenced that the chitosan and dextrose could be efficient and sustainable additives to control and mitigate the degradation mechanisms of casein glues. Further, vertical flammability tests (UL 94 standards) on the sugar-modified casein materials with the highest sugar content confirmed the positive effect of chitosan and dextrose addition under flame exposure too. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Degradation of Composites: Microscopic Characterization and Analysis)
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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
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 418
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
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Degradation of Composites: Microscopic Characterization and Analysis)
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Review

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36 pages, 2114 KiB  
Review
Biocomposites for Marine Applications: A Review of Friction, Wear, and Environmental Degradation
by Cristiano Fragassa, Francesca Conticelli, Beatrice Francucci, Giacomo Seccacini and Carlo Santulli
J. Compos. Sci. 2025, 9(7), 331; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs9070331 - 26 Jun 2025
Viewed by 429
Abstract
This review explores the latest developments in the study of friction, wear, and degradation mechanisms in the case of biocomposites, including either natural fibers or bio-based matrices or both, intended for marine applications. Biocomposites are increasingly favored, especially for their environmental benefits and [...] Read more.
This review explores the latest developments in the study of friction, wear, and degradation mechanisms in the case of biocomposites, including either natural fibers or bio-based matrices or both, intended for marine applications. Biocomposites are increasingly favored, especially for their environmental benefits and sustainability potential. However, they often exhibit inferior mechanical properties compared to traditional composites, especially under demanding conditions. In marine environments, their performance is further challenged by factors such as high humidity, saltwater exposure, fluctuating temperatures, and biofouling. All of the above significantly impact their durability and functionality. This paper examines the performance and degradation characteristics of biocomposites subjected to seawater exposure, especially considering aspects such as friction, wear, and degradation. Additionally, it discusses the recent advancements in surface treatments and material formulations aimed at enhancing the resistance of biocomposites under marine conditions. The review also highlights the critical role of testing methodologies in simulating real-life conditions to better predict the material behavior. By providing a detailed analysis of current research and emerging trends, this paper aims to guide future studies and technological innovations in the field of marine biocomposites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Degradation of Composites: Microscopic Characterization and Analysis)
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