Advanced Polymers from Renewable Resources

Dear Colleagues,

In the context of increasing concerns about plastic pollution and dependence on fossil fuels, polymers from renewable resources have become a promising alternative for the development of sustainable materials. These polymers can be classified into two broad categories—modified natural polymers and synthetic polymers sourced from renewable materials. The first category includes materials such as cellulose and its derivatives (cellulose acetate, and carboxymethylcellulose), thermoplastic starch (TPS), chitosan, proteins (casein, zein, and silk fibroin), and lignin, each of which has applications in packaging, biomedicine, and textiles. The second category comprises synthetic polymers obtained through bioprocessing or the conversion of renewable raw materials, such as poly(lactic acid) (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), bio-polyethylene (Bio-PE), bio-polyamides, and polyurethanes from vegetable oils, which can replace conventional materials across various industries. In addition to these renewable sources, carbon dioxide (CO₂) has emerged as an innovative feedstock in polymer synthesis; it is utilized in copolymerization processes with epoxides to produce poly(aliphatic carbonates), in the formulation of polyols for polyurethanes, and the catalytic conversion to monomers for polyesters and polycarbonates. These technologies enable the valorization of CO₂ as a chemical resource, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting the circular economy.

Although renewable and CO₂-derived polymers present notable advantages, such as biodegradability, a reduced carbon footprint, and the efficient use of natural resources, their widespread adoption is impeded by various technological challenges. These include high production costs, the chemical stability of CO₂, inferior mechanical properties, and inadequate infrastructure for recycling and composting. Current research concentrates on optimizing conversion methods, developing more efficient catalysts, refining synthesis techniques, incorporating polymers to enhance performance, and integrating these materials into a circular economy through effective recycling and sustainable biomass utilization.

As research advances and global legislation promotes the use of eco-friendly materials, polymers derived from renewable resources and CO₂ will play an important role in reducing the environmental impact of the plastics industry, facilitating the shift to a more sustainable and environmentally responsible production model.

This Special Issue aims to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in polymer science and support the transition to sustainable materials with innovative applications that respond to global challenges.The Special Issue provides a publishing platform for researchers, academics, and industry professionals, facilitating the exchange of innovative ideas and the dissemination of original research results.

The Special Issue addresses a diverse audience, including academic researchers, industry professionals, materials engineers, advanced students, and decision-makers involved in developing and implementing innovative polymer materials.

Research papers, communications and review articles are welcome. All manuscripts undergo a rigorous peer-review process, ensuring a high quality and scientifically relevant standards.

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.

• sustainable materials
• renewable resources
• renewable monomers
• circular economy
• CO₂ utilization in polymer synthesis
• polycarbonates from CO₂
• biopolymer
• bioplastic
• bio-based polyurethane foams
• biodegradability and compostability
• bio-based polymer synthesis
• sustainable polymerization techniques
• green polymer processing
• nanocomposites from biopolymers
• bio-based packaging materials
• advanced functional biopolymers
• microbial fermentation for biopolymers
• eco-friendly polymer applications
• mechanical properties of biopolymers
• enzymatic degradation of polymers
• sustainable feedstocks for polymers
• carbon-negative polymer technologies
• thermal and chemical stability of biopolymers
• waste valorization in bio-polymer production
• next-generation bio-composites
• sustainable coatings and adhesives
• eco-design in polymer materials
• hybrid bio-based materials