Development of Bio-Based Composite Foams

Dear colleagues,

Polymer foams are attracting increasing attention for their potential in a wide variety of applications, for example, where ultralow density and high surface area, as well as thermal insulation, gas adsorption, energy storage, and selective liquid absorption for environmental remediation or biofuel purification, are required. Today, the market is dominated by foams produced from synthetic, non-renewable polymers, which, due to the well-documented practice of replacing conventional raw materials that cause global warming, deplete the ozone layer, and reduce oil feedstock, raises serious concerns for the sustainable and ecological development of our society. Therefore, owing to environmental concerns, the conversion of waste to value-added materials is a subject of growing popularity. The use of bio-based raw materials and functionalized, reinforced bio-fillers may improve the mechanical and physical properties of composite foams and increase their biodegradability. Owing to these beneficial effects, the use of bio-based materials for the production of environmentally friendly composite foams will promote new application paths for the conversion of agricultural waste into useful resources for creating a new class of green materials. Bio-based composite foams may offer solutions based on the main challenges of our times—the use of renewable raw materials, the economy, the preservation of resources, and the minimization of waste output.

This present Special Issue “Development of Bio-Based Composite Foams” considers recent research on advanced polymeric foam composites based on renewable agricultural resources to produce both the foam matrix and the reinforcement phase. Of special interest is research focused on new formulations and technologies that aim to produce improved cellular materials, as well as those related to the analysis of foaming mechanisms that use different conventional and non-conventional experimental techniques.

It is my pleasure to invite you to submit a manuscript to this Special Issue. Full papers, communications, and reviews are all welcome.

Prof. Dr. Krzysztof Strzelec
Guest Editor

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