Polymer Rheology and Processing of Nano- and Micro-Composites

Dear Colleagues,

The design and obtention of micro- and nano-composites is an increasing technology that improves the optical, mechanical, and electrical properties of polymeric materials with promising applications in different fields, such as nanotechnology, agriculture, or biomedicine. The agglomeration of particles leads to the diminution of the properties and worse processing conditions of the composite. Therefore, one of the current challenges of this technology is obtaining a homogeneous dispersion of micro and nanoparticles in the plastic. Rheology is a powerful tool that provides crucial knowledge regarding the interaction between the different phases added to polymeric matrices and the processing of composites. For example, the viscoelastic properties determine the conditions of processing and the mechanical behavior of thin films. Thus, the rheological characterization and computational modelling of composites provide critical information about the compatibility of the different phases and the processing of the final material. Moreover, these new materials demand the development of innovative processing methods and technologies that can result in novel applications.

In this Special Issue, original research papers and reviews reporting experimental and computational investigations of the viscoelastic properties and progress, and modernization in processing technologies of micro- and nano-composites are expected.

Prof. Ramón Pamies
Guest Editor

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