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 350
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
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
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
- Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
- Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
- Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
- External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
- Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.
Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.
