Recycling Conductive and Electrical Insulating Polymer Composites
A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Advanced Composites".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 January 2026 | Viewed by 956
Special Issue Editor
Interests: nanomaterials; nanocomposites; composite insulator; piezocatalysis; photocatalysis; polymer composites
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The Special Issue “Recycling Conductive and Electrical Insulating Polymer Composites” focuses on the sustainable management of materials used in polymer composites with conductive and electrical insulating properties.
Strategies such as mechanical recycling, chemical recycling, and energy recovery are being explored to optimize the reuse of these materials while maintaining their functional properties. Through innovative recycling techniques and advancements in material science, the recycling of conductive and electrical insulating polymer composites can contribute to a more sustainable and circular economy.
The design of composite materials itself determines the difficulty of recycling. Complex structural design is a necessary condition for achieving excellent performance, but it poses significant challenges for efficient recycling.
For conductive polymer composites, one key area of research is the incorporation of fillers into the polymer matrix to enhance conductivity. The application of conductive fillers like carbon nanotubes, graphene, and metal nanoparticles has shown promising results regarding improvements in conductivity. Researchers have also explored the use of hybrid composites, in which multiple fillers are combined, to further enhance the electrical properties of such composites.
To achieve a superior insulation performance, researchers have endeavored to develop novel polymer matrices with high dielectric strengths. One strategy involves modifying the polymer structure to improve alignment and reduce defects, leading to enhanced insulation properties. Another approach involves the incorporation of insulating fillers, such as ceramic nanoparticles or glass fibers, to enhance dielectric strength.
Besides these methods, researchers have also explored various processing techniques to optimize the dispersion and interfacial interaction between the polymer matrix and fillers. These techniques include melt blending, solution casting, and in situ polymerization. These methods aim to achieve a uniform distribution of fillers and promote strong adhesion between the matrix and fillers, which directly impacts the electrical properties of the composites.
Overall, polymer composites with specialized conductive and insulating properties are commonly used in various industries, but their disposal poses environmental challenges. Through innovative recycling techniques and advancements in material science, the recycling of conductive and electrical insulating polymer composites can contribute to a more sustainable and circular economy.
I am looking forward to receiving your contributions to this Special Issue.
Prof. Dr. Pengfei Fang
Guest Editor
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Keywords
- recycling
- mechanical recycling
- chemical recycling
- conductive polymer composites
- electrical insulating polymer composites
- insulating coatings
- fiber-reinforced insulating materials
- sustainability
- waste management
- circular economy
- material science
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