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Advances in the Synthesis and Properties of Novel Polymer Materials

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 January 2026 | Viewed by 807

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Physical Chemistry and Technology of Polymers, Silesian University of Technology, Strzody 9, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
Interests: polymers; polymeric materials; polymer properties; polymer characterization; structure–property relationships; dimethacrylate monomer synthesis; dental materials
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Polymer science has progressed rapidly, impacting several industries, from advanced aerospace engineering through electronics to biotechnology and medicine. The need for new polymer materials stems from growing technological, functional, environmental, and economic demands. Recent progress in polymer synthesis has led to the creation of materials with unique properties, including polymer composites that combine polymers with other materials to enhance their performance. These advancements expand the potential uses of polymers and help address current and future challenges in the field.

This Special Issue, "Advances in the Synthesis and Properties of Novel Polymer Materials", brings together research on how polymer synthesis mechanisms, routes, and techniques can lead to better materials for various applications. Key methods discussed include controlled polymerization, functionalization, copolymerization, cross-linking, and the development of polymer composites. 

The articles in this Special Issue also examine how the physical and chemical properties of polymers and related polymeric materials affect their performance and how they can be used in practical applications.

Yours faithfully,

Prof. Dr. Izabela Barszczewska-Rybarek
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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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. 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

  • polymer synthesis
  • novel polymers
  • polymer composites
  • structure–property relationships
  • polymer characterization

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

21 pages, 3599 KB  
Article
Design and Characterization of Silane-Modified Bio-Based Non-Isocyanate Polyurethane Coatings for Advanced Surface Applications
by Rutu Patel, Ajay Kumar, Mayankkumar L. Chaudhary and Ram K. Gupta
Materials 2025, 18(24), 5551; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18245551 - 10 Dec 2025
Abstract
Non-isocyanate polyurethanes (NIPUs) represent a sustainable alternative to conventional isocyanate-based systems, eliminating toxic reagents while maintaining good performance. In this study, bio-based NIPU coatings were synthesized from carbonated soybean oil (CSBO) via the carbonation of epoxidized soybean oil (ESBO) using carbon dioxide (CO [...] Read more.
Non-isocyanate polyurethanes (NIPUs) represent a sustainable alternative to conventional isocyanate-based systems, eliminating toxic reagents while maintaining good performance. In this study, bio-based NIPU coatings were synthesized from carbonated soybean oil (CSBO) via the carbonation of epoxidized soybean oil (ESBO) using carbon dioxide (CO2), followed by polymerization with ethylenediamine (EDA) and varying concentrations of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) (0–20 wt%). The amine groups of EDA and APTES participate in the ring-opening of cyclic carbonates to form β-hydroxyurethane linkages, while the triethoxysilane moieties of APTES may undergo hydrolysis–condensation to produce Si–O–Si domains, resulting in a β-hydroxyurethane–siloxane hybrid network. The optimized formulation CEA-5 exhibited the best, including a tensile strength of 3.3 MPa, elongation at break of ~150%, glass transition temperature (Tg) of ~7 °C, and thermal stability up to ~350 °C, where major thermal degradation happens. The synthesized coating material also shows adhesion (3.6 MPa on oak for CEA-10), hydrophobic behavior (water contact angle (WCA) ~102° for CEA-5), good chemical and ultraviolet (UV) resistance, and shape memory. The synergistic effect of urethane hydrogen bonding and siloxane crosslinking imparted enhanced toughness, flexibility, and durability. These findings express a scalable, eco-friendly strategy for producing silane-modified NIPU coatings with good mechanical, thermal, and coating performance suitable for sustainable industrial coating and adhesive applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Synthesis and Properties of Novel Polymer Materials)
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24 pages, 2603 KB  
Article
Effect of Antimicrobial Filler on Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) Composites Property
by Kamil Kwieciński, Marta Chrószcz-Porębska, Izabela Barszczewska-Rybarek, Jarosław Żmudzki, Anna Mertas, Sebastian Jurczyk, Paweł Popielski and Grzegorz Chladek
Materials 2025, 18(21), 4993; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18214993 - 31 Oct 2025
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Abstract
Ethylene–vinyl acetate (EVA) is a versatile polymer for applications in dental devices; however, its vulnerability to microbial colonization increases with long-term use. This study evaluates EVA composites modified with silver–sodium–hydrogen–zirconium phosphate (SP) particles, aimed at enhancing antimicrobial performance while preserving key functional properties. [...] Read more.
Ethylene–vinyl acetate (EVA) is a versatile polymer for applications in dental devices; however, its vulnerability to microbial colonization increases with long-term use. This study evaluates EVA composites modified with silver–sodium–hydrogen–zirconium phosphate (SP) particles, aimed at enhancing antimicrobial performance while preserving key functional properties. Composites containing 1–16 wt.% SP were prepared via solvent-based and mechanical compounding routes, with scanning electron microscopy confirming correct filler distribution across processing methods. Antimicrobial assays revealed a pronounced reduction in Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans levels, reaching 88% and 98% antimicrobial efficacy, respectively, at 16 wt.% SP. Cytotoxicity testing with L-929 fibroblasts demonstrated maintained cell viability above the 70% threshold, confirming non-cytotoxicity. Mechanical characterization indicated marginal increases in hardness, slight tensile strength reduction at higher filler loadings, while other physicochemical and thermal analyses showed minimal impact on polymer performance. These findings indicate balanced antimicrobial activity with other biofunctional properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Synthesis and Properties of Novel Polymer Materials)
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