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Advanced Polymer Composites for Sustainable Technologies: Synthesis, Characterization, and Performance
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Advanced Polymer Composites for Sustainable Technologies: Synthesis, Characterization, and Performance

A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymeric Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 August 2026) | Viewed by 4467

Editor

Dr. Fujuan Liu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Textile and Clothing Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
Interests: advanced textile materials; biomimetic design of textiles; fabrication of nanomaterials; functional textiles
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Industries urgently need materials that protect the planet without sacrificing performance. This Special Issue seeks groundbreaking research on polymer composites that merge sustainability with innovation. We encourage submissions on eco-friendly production methods, such as solvent-free processing, bio-based catalysts, or the conversion of plastic waste into durable materials, alongside smart composites that self-repair, regulate temperature for better insulation, or harvest energy from light/motion. Furthermore, these submissions should highlight real-world applications, such as renewable energy devices (flexible solar panels), carbon-trapping construction materials, or biodegradable packaging with extended shelf life. Innovations in circular solutions are critical; these include chemical recycling, enzyme-based breakdown systems, or reusable bio-composites. We prioritize studies demonstrating measurable impacts, from lowering microplastic pollution to reducing energy usage in bulding processes through thermal management, as well as those which employ advanced tools such as AI-driven testing or real-time monitoring to bridge lab breakthroughs with scalable solutions. We encourage works that demonstrate unique means to balance environmental benefits (e.g., waste reduction) with industrial durability, whether through smart insulation materials, energy-efficient displays, or closed-loop recycling.

You may choose our Joint Special Issue in Polymers and Joint Special Issue in Molecules.

Dr. Fujuan Liu
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-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Materials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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 2600 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

  • sustainable polymer composites
  • thermal insulation materials
  • fiber-reinforced composites
  • renewable energy applications
  • biodegradable composites
  • flexible electronics
  • light-emitting materials
  • Janus membrane design
  • nanomaterials
  • biomimetic design

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 1536 KB  
Article
Study on Rheological Properties of SBS/Crumb Rubber Modified Direct Coal Liquefaction Residue Asphalt Prepared Through an Extraction–Blending Process
by Yongxiang Li, Shizhong Mi, Chaoyang Guo, Jian Gao, Qi Qi, Yongjie Jia and Jing Li
Materials 2026, 19(14), 2940; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19142940 - 8 Jul 2026
Viewed by 322
Abstract
To address the insufficient low-temperature performance of asphalt modified with direct coal liquefaction residue (DCLR), this study proposed a composite modification strategy based on an extraction–blending process using styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS) and crumb rubber (CR). The high- and low-temperature rheological properties, phase morphology, and [...] Read more.
To address the insufficient low-temperature performance of asphalt modified with direct coal liquefaction residue (DCLR), this study proposed a composite modification strategy based on an extraction–blending process using styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS) and crumb rubber (CR). The high- and low-temperature rheological properties, phase morphology, and functional-group characteristics of DCLR-blended asphalt with different formulations were systematically evaluated using a dynamic shear rheometer (DSR), a bending beam rheometer (BBR), fluorescence microscopy (FM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results demonstrate that the combined addition of SBS and crumb rubber significantly enhances the high-temperature stability and elastic response of the asphalt. Specifically, formulation 5# (8 wt.% SBS and 10 wt.% CR) maintained a rutting factor of 1.007 kPa at 82 °C, indicating superior high-temperature rutting resistance. Meanwhile, this formulation satisfied the Superpave low-temperature requirements at −18 °C, achieving a balanced improvement in both high- and low-temperature performance. Microstructural analysis suggests that an appropriate SBS/CR ratio contributes to the formation of a relatively continuous and uniformly distributed polymer-rich phase, whereas excessive modifier contents may lead to rubber agglomeration and phase-structure imbalance. FTIR results showed that the characteristic absorption peaks of the modified binders were generally consistent with those of the base asphalt, and no obvious new absorption bands were observed. This indicates that the extraction–blending process mainly involved physical blending, swelling, and phase interaction rather than the formation of new covalent functional groups. This study provides a technical reference for the high-value utilization of DCLR and the development of high-performance modified asphalt. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymer Composites for Sustainable Technologies: Synthesis, Characterization, and Performance)
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16 pages, 9960 KB  
Article
Preparation of Unburned Lightweight Aggregates via Synergistic Utilization of Red Mud and Multi-Source Solid Wastes and Its Performance Investigation
by Jixiang Cai, Lianghuan Wei, Xianghao Zha, Rubin Han and Hui Luo
Materials 2026, 19(12), 2490; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19122490 - 10 Jun 2026
Viewed by 233
Abstract
This study aims to explore the preparation process and properties of unburned lightweight aggregate using red mud synergistically with fly ash, granulated blast-furnace slag, and other multi-source solid wastes. Curing regimes and alkali-activated systems were controlled. Their effects on physical properties and environmental [...] Read more.
This study aims to explore the preparation process and properties of unburned lightweight aggregate using red mud synergistically with fly ash, granulated blast-furnace slag, and other multi-source solid wastes. Curing regimes and alkali-activated systems were controlled. Their effects on physical properties and environmental safety of lightweight aggregate were systematically evaluated. Results show that curing temperature and alkali activator exert significant synergistic effects on physical properties of lightweight aggregates. Steam curing performs better than standard curing. Performance improves with increasing steam temperature. Sodium silicate solution with a modulus of 1.0 is determined as the optimal activator. Under 90 °C steam curing, Sample D2 achieves the best overall performance. Its cylinder compressive strength reaches 6.92 MPa. 1 h water absorption is 14.8%. Softening coefficient is 0.93. Porosity is as low as 31.07%. Microscopic analysis reveals that higher curing temperature significantly accelerates the hydration reaction of the RMLWA system. It promotes the formation of abundant cementitious products such as C-S-H gel. These products fully fill internal pores and microcracks of the aggregate. A dense three-dimensional network skeleton structure is finally formed. For environmental safety, heavy metal leaching concentrations of steam-cured samples are generally lower than those of standard-cured samples. This study realizes high-value resource utilization of industrial solid wastes. It also provides a new technical route for the development of green building lightweight aggregate. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymer Composites for Sustainable Technologies: Synthesis, Characterization, and Performance)
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14 pages, 4304 KB  
Article
Improved Toughness of PLA/PBAT/Modified Bamboo Powder Composites Through Interfacial Regulation
by Yonghuan Zhao, Yu Qi, Lei Song, Yuan Mei, Wenxiang Zhu and Yaofeng Zhu
Materials 2026, 19(5), 873; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19050873 - 26 Feb 2026
Viewed by 893
Abstract
The incorporation of abundant natural bamboo fiber (BF) into biodegradable polymers has emerged as a promising strategy to develop environmentally friendly materials. However, the poor interfacial compatibility between BF and biodegradable polymers has led to reduced performance, especially deteriorated toughness, and has limited [...] Read more.
The incorporation of abundant natural bamboo fiber (BF) into biodegradable polymers has emerged as a promising strategy to develop environmentally friendly materials. However, the poor interfacial compatibility between BF and biodegradable polymers has led to reduced performance, especially deteriorated toughness, and has limited the practical applications of bamboo–plastic composites. In this study, a compatible modifier, polydopamine (PDA), was employed to modify the surface of natural BF, and poly(lactic acid)/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PLA/PBAT) bamboo–plastic composites were fabricated via melt blending. And then, a commercial multifunctional compatibilizer (AX8900) was introduced to further enhance the interfacial compatibility and physical properties of the composite. After adding 20 wt% modified BF and 2 wt% compatibilizer, the composite exhibited a better notch impact strength (9.7 kJ/m2) than that filled with unmodified BF (3.2 kJ/m2), indicating a substantial enhancement. This work provides a novel approach to produce friendly biodegradable composites utilizing natural cellulose resources. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymer Composites for Sustainable Technologies: Synthesis, Characterization, and Performance)
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21 pages, 3982 KB  
Article
Advanced Silica Gel/Sulfonated Polymer Composites for Electric Vehicle Thermal Management by Sorption Technology
by Davide Palamara, Mengistu Gelaw, Emanuela Mastronardo, Andrea Frazzica, Candida Milone and Luigi Calabrese
Materials 2026, 19(3), 625; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19030625 - 6 Feb 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 739
Abstract
This study explores novel silica gel/sulfonated polymer composite coatings for enhanced thermal management in electric vehicles via sorption technology. Leveraging the cost-effectiveness of silica gel as a filler and a readily available, water vapor-permeable sulfonated polymer as the matrix, we developed and characterized [...] Read more.
This study explores novel silica gel/sulfonated polymer composite coatings for enhanced thermal management in electric vehicles via sorption technology. Leveraging the cost-effectiveness of silica gel as a filler and a readily available, water vapor-permeable sulfonated polymer as the matrix, we developed and characterized these materials. Mechanical assessments revealed varied performance: coatings with lower silica gel content (80 and 85 wt%) demonstrated suitable scratch resistance (damage width ~1100 µm at 1300 g load) and superior impact resistance (damage diameter ~2.4 mm). Pull-off adhesion strengths for these batches were 1.26 MPa and 1.36 MPa, respectively, though higher filler loading (90 and 95 wt%) led to a ~30% reduction and a shift to cohesive failure for high-filler-content batches. Thermogravimetric analysis confirmed thermal stability up to 280 °C. Adsorption studies revealed that the composite coating with 95 wt% of silica gel achieved the highest water uptake (just under 30 wt%), with all batches exhibiting capacities comparable to commercial adsorbents. This comprehensive characterization confirms that these composites offer a compelling balance of mechanical robustness, reliable adhesion, and high adsorption efficiency, positioning them as promising, cost-effective solutions for EV thermal management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymer Composites for Sustainable Technologies: Synthesis, Characterization, and Performance)
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14 pages, 3588 KB  
Article
Durable and Robust Janus Membranes with Asymmetric Wettability Based on Poly (Vinylidene Fluoride)/Polyvinyl Alcohol for Oil–Water Separation
by Yawen Chang, Ruihong Sun and Fujuan Liu
Materials 2026, 19(2), 363; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19020363 - 16 Jan 2026
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1183
Abstract
With the acceleration of industrialization, the problems of water resource pollution and shortage caused by oil spills and industrial wastewater discharge have become increasingly severe, posing a major threat to ecological sustainable development. Therefore, efficient oil–water separation technology has become a key breakthrough [...] Read more.
With the acceleration of industrialization, the problems of water resource pollution and shortage caused by oil spills and industrial wastewater discharge have become increasingly severe, posing a major threat to ecological sustainable development. Therefore, efficient oil–water separation technology has become a key breakthrough to alleviate this crisis. In this study, Janus membranes with asymmetric wettability were prepared by layer-by-layer electrospinning. The influence of the thickness ratio between the hydrophobic layer and the hydrophilic layer on the mechanical properties, separation flux, and oil–water mixture efficiency of the Janus membranes was examined, and an optimized membrane configuration was determined: the optimal thickness ratio between hydrophobic and hydrophilic layers was 4:6. Under these conditions, the fracture stress of the fiber membranes reached 99% MPa, the fracture strain was 55.63 ± 4.77%, the separation flux values were 1888.22 and 1042.66 L m−2 h−1 for the oil–water mixture and water-in-oil emulsion, respectively, with the separation efficiencies all exceeding 99%. After 50 cycles of separation for two different oil-in-water emulsions, the separation flux and separation efficiency of the optimal sample remained relatively stable, demonstrating strong practicability. In general, the Janus fiber membranes met the expected requirements, laying a good foundation for future applications in oil–water separation, floating oil collection in water, and other fields. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymer Composites for Sustainable Technologies: Synthesis, Characterization, and Performance)
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Review

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25 pages, 5122 KB  
Review
Antimicrobial Agents in Fibrous Materials: A Comprehensive Review of Natural, Inorganic, and Organic Systems
by Xueyan Que, Junqing Bai, Hai Yao, Pingping Fu, Yuanbo Xu, Xiaoyan Zhang, Yuqing Cui, Yingting Li, Jiangtao Yu and Ling Xu
Materials 2026, 19(14), 2980; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19142980 - 10 Jul 2026
Viewed by 494
Abstract
The escalating threat of antimicrobial resistance has spurred extensive research into antimicrobial fibers. While numerous reviews have comprehensively cataloged the classification and mechanisms of natural, inorganic, and organic antimicrobial agents, a critical gap remains: few have systematically evaluated the engineering strategies that translate [...] Read more.
The escalating threat of antimicrobial resistance has spurred extensive research into antimicrobial fibers. While numerous reviews have comprehensively cataloged the classification and mechanisms of natural, inorganic, and organic antimicrobial agents, a critical gap remains: few have systematically evaluated the engineering strategies that translate intrinsic biocidal activity into durable, real-world fiber performance. This review addresses this gap by shifting focus from encyclopedic enumeration to a problem-oriented critical assessment of performance optimization strategies. We examine recent advances in natural fibers (bamboo, hemp, chitosan, jute) and synthetic fibers modified with antimicrobial agents, with emphasis on three core challenges—poor wash durability of natural agents, aggregation and leaching of inorganic nanoparticles (e.g., Ag, ZnO, MOFs), and structural limitations of organic agents (e.g., QACs, QPSs, N-halamines, PHMB). Key optimization routes, including covalent grafting, microstructural control (e.g., triaxial microfluidic spinning), organic-inorganic hybridization, and rechargeable N-halamine systems, are critically assessed for their effectiveness in enhancing washing resistance, stability, and antimicrobial synergy. Based on this comparative synthesis, we identify future directions—smart-responsive systems, sustainable processing pathways, and standardized evaluation protocols—to guide the rational design of next-generation high-performance antimicrobial fibers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymer Composites for Sustainable Technologies: Synthesis, Characterization, and Performance)
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