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Advances in Sustainable Polymeric Materials, 3rd Edition

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A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Circular and Green Sustainable Polymer Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 9776

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Dr. Cristina Cazan

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Department of Product Design, Mechatronics and Environment, Transilvania University of Brasov, 500036 Brasov, Romania
Interests: waste management; polymeric waste; solid waste processing; ecological recycling technology; bioenergy-biomass; life-cycle assessment; composite materials; materials synthesis and processing; materials characterization; surface and interface science; biotechnology; sustainable technology development; environmental assessment
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Dr. Mihai Alin Pop

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Department of Materials Science, Transilvania University of Brasov, 500036 Brasov, Romania
Interests: material characterization; mechanical properties; microstructure; polymers; advanced materials; mechanical testing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue has a special focus on eco-friendly polymers, polymer composites, hybrid polymeric materials, nanocomposites, and blends and polymeric materials for sustainability.

This Special Issue will consider recent advancements in research and development in the synthesis, characterization, processing, morphology, structure, properties, and applications of advanced polymeric materials. Recent advances in the synthesis of polymeric materials by improving the interfaces (of inorganic/organic nature) using different fillers and coupling agents have shown strong potential to generate materials with better sustainability properties.

Fundamental advances in nanocomposite blends and nanostructured polymeric materials in environmental sustainability applications are highlighted in this issue.

This Special Issue aims to present original articles, reviews, short communications, research notes, analyses, and case studies on topics relating to advances in sustainable polymer materials.

Dr. Cristina Cazan
Dr. Mihai Alin Pop
Guest Editors

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 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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. Polymers 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 2700 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

eco-friendly polymers
sustainable materials
hybrid polymeric materials
bio-based polymers
bioplastics
renewable resources
polymer composites
nanocomposites
materials synthesis and processing
materials characterization
surface and interface science

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Related Special Issues

Advances in Sustainable Polymeric Materials in Polymers (23 articles)
Advances in Sustainable Polymeric Materials II in Polymers (16 articles)

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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23 pages, 3175 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Utilizing Crushed Recycled Marble Stone Powder as a Sustainable Filler in SBS-Modified Asphalt Containing Recycled Tire Rubber

by Byungsik Ohm, Sang Yum Lee and Tri Ho Minh Le

Polymers 2025, 17(1), 70; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17010070 - 30 Dec 2024

Viewed by 794

Abstract

The increasing demand for sustainable construction materials has driven the exploration of alternative fillers in asphalt production. Traditional asphalt mixtures rely heavily on natural aggregates and petroleum-based binders, contributing to environmental degradation. This study proposes an innovative solution by utilizing Crushed Recycled Marble Stone Powder (CRMSP) as a sustainable filler in SBS polymer-modified asphalt containing high volumes of recycled tire rubber, addressing both resource depletion and waste management concerns. A total of 10 asphalt mixes were formulated with varying CRMSP content (0–100% as a replacement for conventional filler) and SBS polymer (3–5%), and their performance was evaluated through Marshall stability, flow, volumetric properties, and dynamic modulus tests. The results demonstrate that incorporating CRMSP up to 75% significantly enhances asphalt’s mechanical properties. The 75% CRMSP mix showed superior stability (19.2 kN, 24.1% improvement), flow (4.6 mm, 4.5% improvement), and resistance to rutting (lowest rut depth: 0.18 mm, 16.7% reduction) compared to the control mixture. Dynamic modulus testing further confirmed the improved resistance to deformation, with the 75% CRMSP mix exhibiting the highest modulus (6.9 GPa, 15.0% improvement). This research highlights the potential of CRMSP as an innovative and eco-friendly alternative filler, improving asphalt performance while reducing environmental impact. By offering a sustainable way to recycle marble waste and tire rubber, this study paves the way for greener, cost-effective asphalt formulations. Future studies should focus on real-world applications, durability, and long-term performance to validate the potential of CRMSP-modified asphalt in commercial use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Polymeric Materials, 3rd Edition)

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25 pages, 8743 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Interface Enhancement and Tribological Properties of Cattle Manure-Derived Corn Stalk Fibers for Friction Materials: The Role of Silane Treatment Concentration

by Siyang Wu, Lixing Ren, Xiaochun Qiu, Qiance Qi, Bo Li, Peijie Xu, Mingzhuo Guo and Jiale Zhao

Polymers 2025, 17(1), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17010022 - 26 Dec 2024

Viewed by 620

Abstract

Corn stalk fibers extracted from cattle manure (CSFCM) represent a unique class of natural fibers that undergo biological pre-treatment during ruminant digestion. This study systematically investigates the optimization of CSFCM-reinforced friction materials through controlled silane treatment (2–10 wt.%). The biological pre-treatment through ruminant digestion creates distinctive fiber properties that influence subsequent chemical modification. Physical characterization revealed that optimized interface modification at 6 wt.% silane treatment (CSFCM-3) effectively enhanced the fiber–matrix compatibility while achieving a 34.2% reduction in water absorption and decreased apparent porosity from 9.03% to 7.85%. Tribological evaluation demonstrated superior performance stability, with CSFCM-3 maintaining friction coefficients of 0.35–0.45 across 100–350 °C and exhibiting enhanced thermal stability through a fade ratio of 14.48% and recovery ratio of 95%. The total wear rate showed significant improvement, reducing by 26.26% to 3.433 × 10⁻⁷ cm³ (N·m)⁻¹ compared to untreated specimens. Microscopic analysis confirmed that the optimized silane modification promoted the formation of stable secondary plateaus and uniform wear patterns, contributing to enhanced tribological performance. This investigation establishes an effective approach for developing high-performance friction materials through precise control of silane treatment parameters. The findings demonstrate the potential for developing sustainable friction materials with enhanced performance characteristics, offering new pathways for eco-friendly material design that effectively utilizes agricultural waste resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Polymeric Materials, 3rd Edition)

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36 pages, 14352 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Novel Nanocomposites and Biopolymer-Based Nanocomposites for Hexavalent Chromium Removal from Aqueous Media

by Adina-Elena Segneanu, Ionela Amalia Bradu, Mihaela Simona Calinescu (Bocanici), Gabriela Vlase, Titus Vlase, Daniel-Dumitru Herea, Gabriela Buema, Maria Mihailescu and Ioan Grozescu

Polymers 2024, 16(24), 3469; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16243469 - 12 Dec 2024

Viewed by 1214

Abstract

Designing new engineered materials derived from waste is essential for effective environmental remediation and reducing anthropogenic pollution in our economy. This study introduces an innovative method for remediating metal-contaminated water, using two distinct waste types: one biowaste (eggshell) and one industrial waste (fly ash). We synthesized three novel, cost-effective nanoadsorbent types, including two new tertiary composites and two biopolymer-based composites (specifically k-carrageenan and chitosan), which targeted chromium removal from aqueous solutions. SEM analysis reveals that in the first composite, EMZ, zeolite, and magnetite nanoparticles are successfully integrated into the porous structure of the eggshell. In the second composite (FMZ), fly ash and magnetite particles are similarly loaded within the zeolite pores. Each biopolymer-based composite is derived by incorporating the corresponding tertiary composite (FMZ or EMZ) into the biopolymer framework. Structural modifications of the eggshell, zeolite, chitosan, and k-carrageenan resulted in notable increases in specific surface area, as confirmed by BET analysis. These enhancements significantly improve chromium adsorption efficiency for each adsorbent type developed. The adsorption performances achieved are as follows: EMZ (89.76%), FMZ (84.83%), EMZCa (96.64%), FMZCa (94.87%), EMZC (99.64%), and FMZC (97.67%). The findings indicate that chromium adsorption across all adsorbent types occurs via a multimolecular layer mechanism, which is characterized as spontaneous and endothermic. Desorption studies further demonstrate the high reusability of these nanomaterials. Overall, this research underscores the potential of utilizing waste materials for new performant engineered low-cost composites and biocomposites for environmental bioremediation applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Polymeric Materials, 3rd Edition)

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20 pages, 4270 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lignin-Furanic Rigid Foams: Enhanced Methylene Blue Removal Capacity, Recyclability, and Flame Retardancy

by Hugo Duarte, João Brás, El Mokhtar Saoudi Hassani, María José Aliaño-Gonzalez, Solange Magalhães, Luís Alves, Artur J. M. Valente, Alireza Eivazi, Magnus Norgren, Anabela Romano and Bruno Medronho

Polymers 2024, 16(23), 3315; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16233315 - 27 Nov 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 909

Abstract

Worldwide, populations face issues related to water and energy consumption. Water scarcity has intensified globally, particularly in arid and semiarid regions. Projections indicate that by 2030, global water demand will rise by 50%, leading to critical shortages, further intensified by the impacts of climate change. Moreover, wastewater treatment needs further development, given the presence of persistent organic pollutants, such as dyes and pharmaceuticals. In addition, the continuous increase in energy demand and rising prices directly impact households and businesses, highlighting the importance of energy savings through effective building insulation. In this regard, tannin-furanic foams are recognized as promising sustainable foams due to their fire resistance, low thermal conductivity, and high water and chemical stability. In this study, tannin and lignin rigid foams were explored not only for their traditional applications but also as versatile materials suitable for wastewater treatment. Furthermore, a systematic approach demonstrates the complete replacement of the tannin-furan foam phenol source with two lignins that mainly differ in molecular weight and pH, as well as how these parameters affect the rigid foam structure and methylene blue (MB) removal capacity. Alkali-lignin-based foams exhibited notable MB adsorption capacity (220 mg g⁻¹), with kinetic and equilibrium data analysis suggesting a multilayer adsorption process. The prepared foams demonstrated the ability to be recycled for at least five adsorption-desorption cycles and exhibited effective flame retardant properties. When exposed to a butane flame for 5 min, the foams did not release smoke or ignite, nor did they contribute to flame propagation, with the red glow dissipating only 20 s after flame exposure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Polymeric Materials, 3rd Edition)

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18 pages, 4163 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on Impact of Monomers Towards High Molecular Weight Bio-Based Poly(ethylene Furanoate) via Solid State Polymerization Technique

by Johan Stanley, Eleftheria Xanthopoulou, Margaritis Kostoglou, Lidija Fras Zemljič, Dimitra A. Lambropoulou and Dimitrios N. Bikiaris

Polymers 2024, 16(23), 3305; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16233305 - 26 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1301

Abstract

In recent years, bio-based poly(ethylene furanoate) has gained the attention of packaging industries owing to its remarkable properties as a promising alternative to fossil-based polymers. It is necessary to synthesize high-molecular-weight polymers using effective and straightforward techniques for their commercialization. In this present work, poly(ethylene 2,5-furan dicarboxylate) (PEF) was produced with a high molecular weight of 0.43 dL/g using 2,5-furan dicarboxylic acid (FDCA) or its derivative Dimethyl-2,5-Furan dicarboxylate (DMFD), followed by solid-state polymerization (SSP) conducted at different temperatures and reaction times. The intrinsic viscosity ([η]), carboxyl end-group concentration (–COOH), and thermal properties of the produced polyesters were evaluated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results indicated that the SSP process improved the melting temperature and crystallinity of both the PEF samples as the reaction times and temperatures increased, as corroborated by DSC and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. Additionally, both intrinsic viscosity and number-average molecular weight saw an increase with longer SSP durations and higher temperatures, while the concentration of carboxyl end groups decreased, aligning with expectations. The overall results indicate that PEF (DMFD) samples exhibited a significant increase in crystallization and molecular weight, attributed to their lower degree of crystallinity and their monomer’s high purity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Polymeric Materials, 3rd Edition)

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15 pages, 3728 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Eco-Friendly Hydrogel Beads from Seashell Waste for Efficient Removal of Heavy Metals from Water

by Zaineb Mchich, Daniela Simina Stefan, Rachid Mamouni, Nabil Saffaj and Magdalena Bosomoiu

Polymers 2024, 16(23), 3257; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16233257 - 23 Nov 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 885

Abstract

The objective of this study is to develop a calcium carbonate-based adsorbent derived from Cellana Tramoscrica seashells, incorporated into a sodium alginate matrix (Na-Alg@CTs) to form hydrogel beads, for the efficient removal of Cu (II) and Zn (II) heavy metals from aqueous solutions. XRD, SEM/EDS, and FTIR analysis confirm the successful synthesis and characterization of the fabricated adsorbent. The adsorption study of Cu (II) and Zn (II) onto Na-Alg@CTs hydrogel beads revealed that the Langmuir model was the most suitable for characterizing the adsorption isotherms, suggesting monolayer coverage. Na-Alg@CTs exhibited a maximum Langmuir adsorption capacity of 368.58 mg/g and 1075.67 mg/g for Cu (II) and Zn (II), respectively. Additionally, the kinetics followed the pseudo-second-order model, indicating that the adsorption process is primarily governed by chemisorption. The thermodynamic study suggests that the uptake of metal ions on Na-Alg@CTs hydrogel beads is spontaneous and endothermic. The exceptional adsorption capacity, eco-friendly nature, and low-cost characteristics of Na-Alg@CTs hydrogel beads make them an ideal adsorbent for the removal of Cu (II) and Zn (II) from wastewater. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Polymeric Materials, 3rd Edition)

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11 pages, 5759 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Upcycling of Expanded Polystyrene Waste-Impregnated PVP Using Wet-Phase Inversion for Effective Microalgae Harvesting

by Tutik Sriani, Muslim Mahardika, Shofa Aulia Aldhama, Chandrawati Putri Wulandari and Gunawan Setia Prihandana

Polymers 2024, 16(19), 2703; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16192703 - 25 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1014

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of upcycling Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) waste collected from food packaging into a membrane for microalgae harvesting, in which membrane filtration often challenges fouling and pore blocking. The target species is Spirulina platensis, with Chlorella vulgaris as a comparison agent. The membrane was fabricated from used Styrofoam, which typically ends up as single-use food packaging waste. In this study, PVP was used as an additive at varying concentrations, from 2 wt.% to 8 wt.%. The experimental results indicated that despite varying PVP concentrations, all EPS waste membranes exhibited near-complete recovery of Spirulina platensis biomass extraction. Despite the similar harvesting efficiency, EPS/PVP-8 exhibited the largest flux of 970.5 LMH/Bar, which is twice the value of the pristine EPS waste membrane. All membranes were hydrophilic; however, hydrophobicity increased with PVP concentration. SEM micrographs revealed that PVP enlarged the membrane surface pores and improved connectivity within the membrane’s structure, ensuring efficient flow. The EPS waste membrane offers promising insights for sustainable materials and wastewater treatment. The upcycling of EPS waste into flat sheet membranes not only addresses the problem of Styrofoam waste accumulation but also paves the way to transform waste into valuable products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Polymeric Materials, 3rd Edition)

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19 pages, 4182 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Advancing Sustainability and Performance with Crushed Bottom Ash as Filler in Polymer-Modified Asphalt Concrete Mixtures

by Yeong-Min Kim, Kyungnam Kim and Tri Ho Minh Le

Polymers 2024, 16(12), 1683; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16121683 - 13 Jun 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1140

Abstract

Amid the growing demand for sustainable pavement solutions and the need to incorporate recycled materials into construction practices, this study explored the viability of using crushed thermal power plant bottom ash as a filler in polymer-modified asphalt concrete mixtures. Conventional lime filler was replaced with bottom ash at varying levels (0%, 25%, 50%, and 75%), and the resulting mixtures were evaluated using several performance tests. The optimal replacement level was determined to be 25%, based on the results of the indirect tensile strength (ITS) test. Comparisons between the control mixture and the 25% bottom ash-modified mixture were conducted using the dynamic modulus test, Cantabro test, Hamburg wheel tracking (HWT) test, and tensile strength ratio (TSR) test. The findings indicate that the 25% bottom ash-modified mixture demonstrated improved performance across multiple parameters. The HWT test showed enhanced rut durability, with a recorded depth of 7.56 mm compared to 8.9 mm for the control mixture. The Cantabro test results revealed lower weight loss percentages for the modified mixture, indicating better abrasion resistance. The dynamic modulus test indicated higher resilience and stiffness in both high- and low-frequency stages. The TSR test highlighted improved moisture resistance, with higher TSR values after 10 wet-drying cycles. These improvements are attributed to the fine particle size and beneficial chemical composition of bottom ash, which enhance the asphalt mixture’s density, binder-aggregate adhesion, and overall durability. The results suggest that incorporating 25% crushed bottom ash as a filler in polymer-modified asphalt concrete mixtures is a viable and sustainable approach to improving pavement performance and longevity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Polymeric Materials, 3rd Edition)

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17 pages, 3938 KiB

Open AccessReview

Inulin as a Biopolymer; Chemical Structure, Anticancer Effects, Nutraceutical Potential and Industrial Applications: A Comprehensive Review

by Isaac Karimi, Mahnaz Ghowsi, Layth Jasim Mohammed, Zohreh Haidari, Kosar Nazari and Helgi B. Schiöth

Polymers 2025, 17(3), 412; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17030412 - 4 Feb 2025

Viewed by 1202

Abstract

Inulin is a versatile biopolymer that is non-digestible in the upper alimentary tract and acts as a bifidogenic prebiotic which selectively promotes gut health and modulates gut–organ axes through short-chain fatty acids and possibly yet-to-be-known interactions. Inulin usage as a fiber ingredient in food has been approved by the FDA since June 2018 and it is predicted that the universal inulin market demand will skyrocket in the near future because of its novel applications in health and diseases. This comprehensive review outlines the known applications of inulin in various disciplines ranging from medicine to industry, covering its benefits in gut health and diseases, metabolism, drug delivery, therapeutic pharmacology, nutrition, and the prebiotics industry. Furthermore, this review acknowledges the attention of researchers to knowledge gaps regarding the usages of inulin as a key modulator in the gut–organ axes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Polymeric Materials, 3rd Edition)

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