Advanced Polymeric Materials for Buildings
A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymer Applications".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2026
Special Issue Editor
Interests: building material; polymer; asphalt; polyurethane; biomass
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The rapid evolution of polymer science has positioned advanced polymer materials as transformative agents in modern construction, addressing critical challenges in durability, sustainability, and multifunctionality. This Special Issue synthesizes recent advancements in polymer-based building materials, emphasizing their structural, environmental, and smart functional applications.
High-performance polymer composites that integrate lightweight fibrous networks (e.g., carbon/glass fibers) with nanostructured matrices have redefined structural efficiency. These materials exhibit enhanced strength-to-weight ratios, thermal stability, and energy absorption capabilities, making them ideal for seismic-resistant frameworks and high-rise infrastructure. Polymer concretes (PC), asphalt, polyurethane, and epoxy resins with mineral aggregates demonstrate superior crack resistance and rapid curing, enabling precise repairs in aggressive environments. Case studies highlight their use in bridge deck overlays and in the reinforcement of historic monuments, where traditional materials fail.
The integration of stimuli-responsive polymers has introduced adaptive infrastructure. Shape-memory polymers (SMPs) adjust to temperature fluctuations, optimizing window glazing for passive climate control. Photoluminescent polymers improve the efficiency of emergency lighting, while conductive polymer coatings enable real-time structural health monitoring via embedded sensors.
Polymers now play a pivotal role in green construction through recyclable bio-based resins and low-carbon production processes. Self-healing polymers, embedded with microcapsules or vascular networks, extend material lifespans by autonomously repairing cracks, reducing maintenance costs by up to 40%. Additionally, polymer-modified mortars enhance waterproofing and thermal insulation, minimizing energy consumption in buildings.
Advanced polymeric materials in buildings represent a paradigm shift in construction, offering resilient, eco-conscious, and intelligent solutions. Continued innovation in material design and interdisciplinary research will be instrumental in meeting the evolving demands of sustainable urbanization.
Dr. Xinxing Zhou
Guest Editor
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
- building material
- polymer
- asphalt
- polyurethane
- epoxy resin
- biomass
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