Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
9.7
4.9
Journals
Polymers
Special Issues
Advanced Polymer Composites and Foams
polymers-logo
Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Polymers Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

Advanced Polymer Composites and Foams

A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymer Applications".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2026 | Viewed by 9318

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Fang-Chyou Chiu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
Interests: polymer physics; polymer blends; polymeric nanomaterials; bio-polymers; foams
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Kartik Behera

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
Interests: polymer blends; blend-based nanocomposites; packaging materials; membrane; electrochemical sensors; foams
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Advanced polymer composite materials have garnered a significant amount of interest in materials science and engineering due to their incredible properties. Nanomaterials such as carbon nanotube, carbon black, clay, graphene, and graphene oxide have shown significant potential as fillers in polymer-based nanocomposites. These nanomaterials are distinguished by their high aspect ratio and/or exceptional thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties. By incorporating them into polymer matrices, the achieved composites can show superior properties, making them suitable for advanced engineering applications. The application fields of polymer composites include automobiles, sensors, electrochemical capacitors, solar cells, transistors, conductive adhesives, and gas storage devices.

Polymeric foams remain a vital category of commodity materials, advancing in numerous areas such as sports equipment, automotive parts, electronics, and packaging/biomedical applications. The compositions and microstructures of these foams contribute to their structural integrity and functional properties. Micro-, sub-micro-, and even nanocellular foams have recently been developed due to the advances in foaming technologies. Among the various technologies, supercritical fluid-induced foams have received extensive attention over the past decade because of the environmental friendly manufacturing process. These foams have expanded their applications, including weight reduction and dampening, thermal and acoustic insulation, as well as electromagnetic interference shielding and advanced structural components.  

Prof. Dr. Fang-Chyou Chiu
Dr. Kartik Behera
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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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

  • polymer composites
  • (nano)fillers
  • physical properties
  • electrical properties
  • foams

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

26 pages, 1455 KB  
Article
Frequency–Direction Coupling in the Glass Transition Response of Thermally Aged Wet-Layup Unidirectional Carbon/Epoxy Composites
by Kruthika Kokku, Rabina Acharya and Vistasp M. Karbhari
Polymers 2026, 18(6), 680; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18060680 - 11 Mar 2026
Viewed by 436
Abstract
Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) is widely used to assess the effects of process- and environment-induced changes in polymer matrix composites, with the glass transition temperature (Tg) often reported from the tan d peak at a single excitation frequency. However, such [...] Read more.
Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) is widely used to assess the effects of process- and environment-induced changes in polymer matrix composites, with the glass transition temperature (Tg) often reported from the tan d peak at a single excitation frequency. However, such an approach neglects the inherently kinetic nature of the glass transition and may obscure thermally induced changes in relaxation response. Multi-frequency DMTA was employed to investigate the evolution of glass transition response of a wet-layup unidirectional carbon/epoxy composite subjected to thermal aging at temperatures ranging from 66 °C to 260 °C for periods up to 72 h, using unexposed (23 °C) results as an ambient baseline reference. Tests were conducted using a single cantilever mode in both longitudinal and transverse configurations over a range of excitation frequencies from 0.3 to 30 Hz. Results demonstrate that thermal exposure affects not only the absolute value of the glass transition temperature, but also its frequency sensitivity and directional dependence. A frequency sensitivity parameter and a directional amplification factor are introduced to quantify frequency–direction coupling. While post-cure-dominated aging regimes exhibit relatively stable coupling behavior, degradation-dominated conditions at elevated temperatures and longer periods of thermal exposure lead to pronounced increases in transverse frequency sensitivity, which reflects early evolution of matrix- and interphase-level deterioration. These findings highlight the value of multi-frequency DMTA with tests in both primary directions for the mechanistic assessment of effects of thermo-oxidative response in polymer matrix composites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymer Composites and Foams)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

11 pages, 1626 KB  
Article
Effects and Mechanisms of Silicone Fertilizer on Salt Ion Activity in Saline–Alkaline Soils
by Furu Song, Dongxia Li, Liqiang Song, Ziku Cao, Zhipei Cao, Yafei Sang and Lianwei Kang
Polymers 2026, 18(2), 231; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18020231 - 16 Jan 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 408
Abstract
The high salt content in saline–alkali soil has a significant impact on plant nutrient absorption and water transport, severely inhibiting crop growth. Through esterification reactions, silicic acid is grafted onto humic acid to form an organic silicon fertilizer (OSiF). The unique Si-O-C bond [...] Read more.
The high salt content in saline–alkali soil has a significant impact on plant nutrient absorption and water transport, severely inhibiting crop growth. Through esterification reactions, silicic acid is grafted onto humic acid to form an organic silicon fertilizer (OSiF). The unique Si-O-C bond in the material endows this new type of organic silicon-based fertilizer with the ability to effectively alleviate the harm of high-salt soil to plants. In this study, a soil column experiment was designed to systematically evaluate and compare the effects of organic silicon fertilizers with different organic silicon contents (0%, 5%, and 10%) and traditional compound fertilizers on soil water characteristics, salt ion concentration, pH value, and electrical conductivity. The results showed that the addition of an appropriate amount of organic silicon fertilizer could significantly reduce the activity of salt ions in the soil solution. Experimental data indicated that the 5% and 10% organic silicon fertilizers had the most significant effect on the consumption of major salt ions such as sodium and chloride ions. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis revealed that the reaction of Si-O-C bonds in the soil with Lewis bases led to a shift in the valence state of the 1S electrons of silicon atoms, providing a theoretical basis for the mechanism by which silicon fertilizers alleviate high-salt stress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymer Composites and Foams)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 7045 KB  
Article
Minimizing Delamination in CFRP Laminates: Experimental and Numerical Insights into Drilling and Punching Effects
by Murat Demiral, Tamer Saracyakupoglu, Burhan Şahin and Uğur Köklü
Polymers 2025, 17(22), 3056; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17223056 - 18 Nov 2025
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1186
Abstract
Carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates are extensively utilized in aerospace and advanced engineering fields because of their outstanding strength-to-weight ratio and superior fatigue durability. However, despite their high in-plane strength and stiffness, CFRP laminates are inherently susceptible to delamination. This weakness stems from [...] Read more.
Carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates are extensively utilized in aerospace and advanced engineering fields because of their outstanding strength-to-weight ratio and superior fatigue durability. However, despite their high in-plane strength and stiffness, CFRP laminates are inherently susceptible to delamination. This weakness stems from the relatively low interlaminar strength of the resin-rich interfaces between layers compared to the much stronger in-plane fiber reinforcement. During mechanical processes such as drilling and punching, out-of-plane stresses and interlaminar shear forces develop, concentrating at these weak interfaces. This study investigates the delamination behavior of CFRP laminates with 3 to 7 plies under drilling and punching, focusing on the effects of ply count and drilling speed. Experimental tests were conducted using an 8 mm punch and drill bit at 2500, 3000, and 3500 rpm, reflecting typical workshop practices for M8 fastener holes. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses at different magnifications were used to quantify delamination extent. A three-dimensional finite element model was created in ABAQUS/Explicit, integrating the Hashin failure criterion to predict damage initiation within the plies and cohesive surfaces to simulate interlaminar delamination. The analyses show that with proper support, punching can approach the damage levels of drilling for thin CFRP plates, but drilling remains preferable for thicker laminates due to better integrity and tool longevity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymer Composites and Foams)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 4006 KB  
Article
Preparation and Characterisation of High-Density Polyethylene/Tannic Acid Composites
by Evangelia Tarani, Myrto Tara, Christina Samiotaki, Alexandra Zamboulis, Konstantinos Chrissafis and Dimitrios N. Bikiaris
Polymers 2024, 16(23), 3398; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16233398 - 2 Dec 2024
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2975
Abstract
This research paper highlights the preparation and characterisation of high-density polyethylene (HDPE)/tannic acid (TA) composites, designed to confer antioxidant properties to HDPE, valorising a biobased filler. Indeed, tannic acid is a natural polyphenol, demonstrating, among others, strong antioxidation properties. Using a melt-mixing process, [...] Read more.
This research paper highlights the preparation and characterisation of high-density polyethylene (HDPE)/tannic acid (TA) composites, designed to confer antioxidant properties to HDPE, valorising a biobased filler. Indeed, tannic acid is a natural polyphenol, demonstrating, among others, strong antioxidation properties. Using a melt-mixing process, HDPE/TA composites containing various amounts of TA, ranging between 1 and 20 wt%, were prepared, and analyses on their structural, thermal, mechanical, as well as antioxidant properties were conducted. Infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and X-ray diffraction showed that TA was successfully incorporated into the HDPE matrix. Thermogravimetric analysis evidenced that the onset of thermal degradation decreased, but overall satisfactory stability was observed. The composites exhibited exceptional antioxidant properties, especially the ones with the highest TA content, although it was observed that a high amount of TA had adverse effects on the mechanical performance of the composites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymer Composites and Foams)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Review

Jump to: Research

52 pages, 1927 KB  
Review
Effect of Elevated Temperature Thermal Aging/Exposure on Shear Response of FRP Composites: A Topical Review
by Rabina Acharya and Vistasp M. Karbhari
Polymers 2026, 18(3), 354; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18030354 - 28 Jan 2026
Viewed by 1003
Abstract
Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are increasingly used in civil, marine, offshore, and energy infrastructure, where components routinely experience temperatures above ambient conditions. While the design of these components is largely driven by fiber-dominated characteristics, the deterioration of shear properties can lead to premature [...] Read more.
Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are increasingly used in civil, marine, offshore, and energy infrastructure, where components routinely experience temperatures above ambient conditions. While the design of these components is largely driven by fiber-dominated characteristics, the deterioration of shear properties can lead to premature weakening and even failure. Thus, the performance and reliability of these systems depend intrinsically on the response of interlaminar shear characteristics, in-plane shear characteristics, and flexure-based shear characteristics to thermal loads ranging from uniform and monotonically increasing to cyclic and spike exposures. This paper presents a critical review of current knowledge of shear response in the presence of thermal exposure, with emphasis on temperature regimes that are below Tg in the vicinity of Tg and approaching Td. Results show that thermal exposures cause matrix softening and microcracking, interphase degradation, and thermally induced residual stress redistribution that significantly reduces shear-based performance. Cyclic and short-duration spike/flash exposures result in accelerated damage through thermal fatigue; steep thermal gradients, including through the thickness; and localized interfacial failure loading to the onset of delamination or interlayer separation. Aspects such as layup/ply orientation, fiber volume fraction, degree of cure, and the availability and permeation of oxygen through the thickness can have significant effects. The review identifies key contradictions and ambiguities, pinpoints and prioritizes areas of critically needed research, and emphasizes the need for the development of true mechanistic models capable of predicting changes in shear performance characteristics over a range of thermal loading regimes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymer Composites and Foams)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

25 pages, 11969 KB  
Review
Ionomeric Nanofibers: A Versatile Platform for Advanced Functional Materials
by Mrinal Poddar, Yen-Hsiang Chang and Fang-Chyou Chiu
Polymers 2024, 16(24), 3564; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16243564 - 20 Dec 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2494
Abstract
The one-dimensional nanomaterials known as nanofibers have remarkable qualities, such as large surface areas, adjustable porosity, and superior mechanical strength. Ionomers, types of polymers, have ionic functional groups that give them special properties, including high mechanical strength, water absorption capacity, and ionic conductivity. [...] Read more.
The one-dimensional nanomaterials known as nanofibers have remarkable qualities, such as large surface areas, adjustable porosity, and superior mechanical strength. Ionomers, types of polymers, have ionic functional groups that give them special properties, including high mechanical strength, water absorption capacity, and ionic conductivity. Integrating ionomers and nanofibers with diverse materials and advanced methodologies has been shown to improve the mechanical strength, processing capacity, and multifunctional attributes of ionomeric nanofibers. One-dimensional ionomeric nanomaterials offer a versatile platform for developing functional materials with ionic functionalities. This mini review critically examines recent progress in the development of ionomeric nanofibers, highlighting innovative fabrication techniques and their expanding applications across energy storage, environmental remediation, healthcare, advanced textiles, and electronics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymer Composites and Foams)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-6
Back to TopTop