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Cutting-Edge Cellulose Polymers and Composites: From Fundamentals to Functional Applications

A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Biobased and Biodegradable Polymers".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2026 | Viewed by 753

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
CERES, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Coimbra, Rua Sílvio Lima, Pólo II, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal
Interests: particle technology, including particle characterization; multiphase processes, including modelling and experimental; rheology of suspensions; tomographic techniques for multiphase flow visualization; aggregation/flocculation of particles; valorization of ligno-cellulosic materials—development of natural polyelectrolytes and lignin-based surfactants; remediation of soils; microplastics identification and removal
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
CERES, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Coimbra, Rua Sílvio Lima, Pólo II, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal
Interests: cellulose chemistry; cellulose dissolution and regeneration; nanocellulose production and characterization; cellulose and nanocellulose-based organic–inorganic hybrid materials; bio-based polyelectrolytes from lignocellulosic materials; lignin-based materials; rheology; surfactants; polymer–surfactant association; microscopy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor Assistant
Surface and Colloid Engineering, FSCN Research Centre, Mid Sweden University, SE 851 70 Sundsvall, Sweden
Interests: lignocellulose; chemical engineering; sustainable materials; microplastic removal; biomass valorization; deep eutectic solvents (DESs); surfactants

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue, “Cutting-Edge Cellulose Polymers and Composites: From Fundamentals to Functional Applications,” aims to showcase recent advances in cellulose science, bridging molecular fundamentals and the development of functional materials. We welcome original research and review articles exploring novel strategies for cellulose modification, structural characterization, and the fabrication of advanced composites with tailored properties. Key topics include sustainable synthesis routes, innovative processing techniques, insights into structure–property relationships, and in-depth evaluation of performance in diverse applications—such as biomaterials, environmental remediation, packaging, energy storage, and smart devices. We particularly encourage interdisciplinary contributions that integrate perspectives from chemistry, materials science, and engineering to address current challenges and inspire future innovations in cellulose-based systems. This issue provides an academic platform for researchers to share cutting-edge results, discuss opportunities, and identify emerging trends that shape the next generation of cellulose polymers and composites. Submissions that promote green and circular approaches, scalability, and real-world applications are especially welcome.

Dr. Maria Graça Rasteiro
Dr. Luis Alves
Guest Editors

Dr. Solange S. Magalhães
Guest Editor Assistant

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

  • cellulose polymers
  • cellulose composites
  • functional materials
  • sustainable synthesis
  • green chemistry
  • biomaterials
  • environmental applications
  • advanced processing
  • renewable materials

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

41 pages, 2134 KB  
Review
Self-Healing in Cellulose-Based Materials: From Fundamentals to Future Perspectives
by Bogdan-Marian Tofanica and Elena Ungureanu
Polymers 2026, 18(11), 1296; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18111296 - 25 May 2026
Viewed by 368
Abstract
Self-healing materials have attracted increasing attention as a strategy to enhance durability, extend service life, and reduce maintenance in advanced material systems. Among these, cellulose-based self-healing materials represent a sophisticated intersection between sustainable macromolecular chemistry and adaptive materials science. This review provides a [...] Read more.
Self-healing materials have attracted increasing attention as a strategy to enhance durability, extend service life, and reduce maintenance in advanced material systems. Among these, cellulose-based self-healing materials represent a sophisticated intersection between sustainable macromolecular chemistry and adaptive materials science. This review provides a synthesis of recent advancements in the field, systematically categorizing materials derived from cellulose raw materials. We evaluate the fundamental chemical strategies employed to achieve autonomous repair, distinguishing between extrinsic mechanisms—utilizing cellulose-based micro/nano-capsules to sequester healing agents—and intrinsic mechanisms governed by dynamic covalent chemistry (Schiff-base, boronic ester, Diels–Alder) and supramolecular interactions (hydrogen bonding, metal–ligand coordination, and host–guest assemblies). The analysis highlights how cellulose’s hierarchical structure and abundant surface functionality are leveraged to overcome the traditional trade-off between mechanical toughness and healing efficiency. Particular emphasis is placed on the transition from simple structural hydrogels to sophisticated multifunctional systems. These include ultra-stretchable strain and pressure sensors for e-skin applications, biocompatible and injectable matrices for chronic wound management and stem cell delivery, and advanced anti-freezing eutectogels for performance in extreme environments. Furthermore, we explore the integration of cellulose into traditional sectors, such as self-healing concrete utilizing microbe-induced calcification and smart, eco-friendly coatings for corrosion protection. Finally, we discuss critical challenges, including environmental stability, scalability, and the development of standardized evaluation protocols, providing a roadmap for the next generation of bio-derived, sustainable and intelligent materials. Full article
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