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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 November 2024) | Viewed by 21573

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Prof. Dr. Bing Wang

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Guest Editor

Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Terahertz Functional Devices and Intelligent Sensing, School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
Interests: polymer composites; smart structures; mechanics; multiscale analysis; elasticity and viscoelasticity; non-destructive testing and evaluation
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Dr. Chenglong Guan

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Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Terahertz Functional Devices and Intelligent Sensing, School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, China
Interests: theoretical analysis; structural health monitoring; fatigue; structural integrity
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Prof. Dr. Lihua Zhan

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Guest Editor

Light Alloys Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
Interests: complicate component; creep age forming; aluminum alloy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Polymers and composites are advanced in terms of product efficiency, cost effectiveness, lightweight, good designability, flexibility for manufacturing, etc. They have found widespread applications across diverse sectors, including aerospace, transportation, sustainable energy, construction, and beyond. The production of polymer and composite components encompass a multifaceted process, involving structural design, preform shaping, curing and forming, machining and assembly, and inspection and analysis. It is imperative to recognize that each of these steps has a direct and substantial impact on the overall performance and functionality of the resultant structure. In light of the escalating adoption of polymer and composite materials in high-end applications across various industries, composite components are evolving towards larger scale, integral structures, increased complexity, and multi-functions. These developments inevitably give rise to heightened challenges in the design and manufacturing of advanced functional polymers and composites.

This Special Issue, therefore, seeks to publish the cutting-edge research and recent advances in functional polymers and composites, including but not limited to the structural design, mechanics, molding processes, machining and assembly techniques, defect detection methodologies, characterization, and the functional evaluation of polymers and composites. We encourage submissions of original research papers, short communications, and review articles. We hope this Special Issue will contribute to the advancement of scientific theories and methodologies in the realm of polymers and composites, aiming to foster the widespread application of advanced functional polymers and composites in high-end equipment and development within a multitude of disciplines, including aerospace, mechanical engineering, materials science, mechanics, chemistry, and their interconnected fields.

This Special Issue extends a warm invitation for contributions pertaining to but not limited to the following domains:

Advances in polymer and composites;
Machining theories and technologies;
Multiscale mechanics;
Structural health monitoring;
Functional evaluation and analysis;
Smart materials and structures;
Fatigue and structural integrity.

Prof. Dr. Bing Wang
Prof. Dr. Chenglong Guan
Prof. Dr. Lihua Zhan
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

polymer
composite
manufacture
mechanical property
mechanics
theoretical analysis
structural health monitoring
fatigue
structural integrity
non-destructive testing and evaluation
finite element analysis

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Related Special Issue

Advances in Functional Polymers and Composites: 2nd Edition in Polymers (3 articles)

Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 3049 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Upcycling Fishing Net Waste and Metal Oxide from Electroplating Waste into Alga Cultivation Structures with Antibacterial Properties

by Daniel Barros, Luís Nobre, Joana Antunes, João Bessa, Fernando Cunha, Carlos Mota, Fernanda Gomes, Mariana Henriques and Raul Fangueiro

Polymers 2024, 16(23), 3415; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16233415 - 4 Dec 2024

Viewed by 870

Abstract

Plastic waste, especially discarded fishing nets, and electroplating sludges pose significant environmental challenges, impacting marine ecosystems and contributing to pollution. In alga cultivation, invasive microorganisms often hinder growth, necessitating strategies to combat these issues. This study aimed to develop recycled substrates for alga cultivation by repurposing fishing nets and enhancing their surfaces with antibacterial properties using copper oxide (CuO). Additionally, it explores the reuse of CuO from electroplating sludge, providing a sustainable solution that addresses both marine and industrial waste while supporting healthy alga development. Recycled substrates were produced, with different proportions of pure CuO and sludge (1 and 2 wt%) incorporated on the surface. These compositions were processed by hot compression molding and then the antibacterial activity was characterized using a qualitative and quantitative method. The results indicate the possibility of recycling fishing net into new substrates to alga cultivation and the functionalization of their surface using CuO as an antibacterial agent. The antibacterial tests showed a better activity for pure CuO compared to the residual sludge, and better for the higher surface concentration of 2 wt%. Despite the limited bacterial inhibition observed, there is an opportunity for reusing these sludges, typically disposed of in landfills, to obtain specific antibacterial agents that can be applied to the surface of substrates for algal growth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Functional Polymers and Composites)

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22 pages, 14940 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Eco-Friendly Thermal Insulation and Sound Absorption Composite Materials Derived from Waste Black Tea Bags and Date Palm Tree Surface Fibers

by Mohamed Ali, Redhwan Almuzaiqer, Khaled Al-Salem, Hassan Alshehri, Abdullah Nuhait, Abdullah Alabdullatif and Abdulrahman Almubayrik

Polymers 2024, 16(21), 2989; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16212989 - 25 Oct 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1863

Abstract

A tremendous amount of waste black tea bags (BTBs) and date palm surface fibers (DPSFs), at the end of their life cycle, end up in landfills, leading to increased pollution and an increase in the negative impact on the environment. Therefore, this study aims to utilize these normally wasted materials efficiently by developing new composite materials for thermal insulation and sound absorption. Five insulation composite boards were developed, two were bound (BTB or DPSF with polyvinyl Acetate resin (PVA)) and three were hybrids (BTB, DPSF, and resin). In addition, the loose raw waste materials (BTB and DPSF) were tested separately with no binder. Thermal conductivity and sound absorption coefficients were determined for all boards. Thermal stability analysis was reported for the components of the tea bag (string, label, and bag) and one of the composite hybrid boards. Mechanical properties of the boards such as flexural strain, flexural stress, and flexural elastic modulus were determined for the bound and hybrid composites. The results showed that the thermal conductivity coefficients for all the hybrid composite sample boards are less than 0.07 at the ambient temperature of 24 °C and they were enhanced as the BTB ratio was reduced in the hybrid composite boards. The noise reduction coefficient for bound and all hybrid composite samples is greater than 0.37. The composite samples are thermally stable up to 291 °C. Most composite samples have a high flexure modulus between 4.3 MPa and 10.5 MPa. The tea bag raw materials and the composite samples have a low moisture content below 2.25%. These output results seem promising and encouraging using such developed sample boards as eco-friendly thermal insulation and sound absorption and competing with the synthetic ones developed from petrochemicals in building insulation. Moreover, returning these waste materials to circulation and producing new eco-friendly composites can reduce the number of landfills, the level of environmental pollution, and the use of synthetic materials made from fossil resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Functional Polymers and Composites)

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17 pages, 3894 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Using Thin Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene Coatings to Reduce Friction in Frost-Resistant Rubbers

by Elena Torskaya, Ivan Shkalei, Fedor Stepanov, Yulia Makhovskaya, Afanasy Dyakonov and Natalia Petrova

Polymers 2024, 16(20), 2870; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16202870 - 11 Oct 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1298

Abstract

Frost-resistant rubbers retain their highly elastic properties over a wide temperature range. They are used in various friction units (e.g., seals), but their high friction coefficient and low wear resistance lead to the need for frequent replacement. In this paper, we propose applying thin (several hundred microns) UHMWPE coatings to formed rubber rings. The application technology depends on the required coating thickness. Friction tests of the coatings and pure UHMWPE were performed using the ball-on-disk (unidirectional sliding) scheme for various loads and velocities. In the experiments, the friction coefficients and temperatures near the contact area were determined. Friction tracks were studied using microscopy methods. The sliding contact of the ball and the two-layer material was modeled to obtain the dependences of the deformation component of friction on the sliding velocity for coatings of different thicknesses. UHMWPE is sensitive to frictional heating, so the thermal problem of determining the temperature in the contact area was also solved. It is shown that the minimum friction coefficient occurs for coatings with a thickness of 600 μm. At the same time, in the case of the 300 μm coating, the surface of the friction track is practically no different from the initial one. Thus, the studied combination of polymers provides antifrictional properties and wear resistance to the surface layer while maintaining the damping properties of rubber. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Functional Polymers and Composites)

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13 pages, 9306 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Coniferous Bark as Filler for Polylactic Acid-Based Biocomposites

by Wojciech Jasiński, Radosław Auriga, Seng Hua Lee, Łukasz Adamik and Piotr Borysiuk

Polymers 2024, 16(18), 2669; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16182669 - 22 Sep 2024

Viewed by 914

Abstract

This study explores the possibilities of utilisation of coniferous bark as a filler in wood–polymer composites (WPCs), its impact on properties such as the modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), thickness swelling (TS) and water absorption (WA) after 2 h and 24 h of immersion in water and the significance of this impact compared to other factors. Six variants of bark–polylactic acid (PLA) WPCs were manufactured, differentiated by their filler content and filler particle size. As a comparison, analogous composites filled with coniferous sawdust were also manufactured. Bark-filled composites were characterised by lower TS and WA after both 2 h and 24 h of immersion, as well as lower water contact angles and surface free energy. The bark filler decreased the composites’ MORs and MOEs, while greater differences were noticed for variants filled with small particles. The type of filler was the second most important factor contributing to variance in this study, with the filler content being the most important one. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Functional Polymers and Composites)

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14 pages, 19586 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Advanced Electrospun Composites Based on Polycaprolactone Fibers Loaded with Micronized Tungsten Powders for Radiation Shielding

by Chiara Giuliani, Ilaria De Stefano, Mariateresa Mancuso, Noemi Fiaschini, Luis Alexander Hein, Daniele Mirabile Gattia, Elisa Scatena, Eleonora Zenobi, Costantino Del Gaudio, Federica Galante, Giuseppe Felici and Antonio Rinaldi

Polymers 2024, 16(18), 2590; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16182590 - 13 Sep 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1534

Abstract

Exposure to high levels of radiation can cause acute, long-term health effects, such as acute radiation syndrome, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. This is an important occupational hazard in different fields, such as the aerospace and healthcare industry, as well as a crucial burden to overcome to boost space applications and exploration. Protective bulky equipment made of heavy metals is not suitable for many advanced purporses, such as mobile devices, wearable shields, and manned spacecrafts. In the latter case, the in-space manufacturing of protective shields is highly desirable and remains an unmet need. Composites made of polymers and high atomic number fillers are potential means for radiation protection due to their low weight, good flexibility, and good processability. In the present work, we developed electrospun composites based on polycaprolactone (polymer matrix) and tungsten powder for application as shielding materials. Electrospinning is a versatile technology that is easily scalable at an industrial level and allows obtaining very lightweight, flexible sheet materials for wearables. By controlling tungsten powder size, we engineered homogeneous, stable and processable suspensions to fabricate radiation composite shielding sheets. The shielding capability was assessed by an in vivo model on prototype composite sheets containing 80 w% of W filler in a polycaprolactone (PCL) fibrous matrix by means of irradiation tests (X-rays) on mice. The obtained results are promising; as expected, the shielding effectivity of the developed composite material increases with the thickness/number of stacked layers. It is worth noting that a thin barrier consisting of 24 layers of the innovative shielding material reduces the extent of apoptosis by 1.5 times compared to the non-shielded mice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Functional Polymers and Composites)

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15 pages, 9688 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Vibration Pretreatment–Microwave Curing Process Parameters on the Mechanical Performance of Resin-Based Composites

by Dechao Zhang, Lihua Zhan, Bolin Ma, Jinzhan Guo, Wentao Jin, Xin Hu, Shunming Yao and Guangming Dai

Polymers 2024, 16(17), 2518; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16172518 - 4 Sep 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1219

Abstract

The vibration pretreatment–microwave curing process can achieve high-quality molding under low-pressure conditions and is widely used in the curing of resin-based composites. This study investigated the effects of the vibration pretreatment process parameters on the void content and the fiber weight fraction of T700/TRE231; specifically, their influence on the interlaminar shear strength and impact strength of the composite. Initially, an orthogonal experimental design was employed with interlaminar shear strength as the optimization target, where vibration acceleration was determined as the primary factor and dwell time as the secondary factor. Concurrently, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was performed based on process parameters that corresponded to the extremum of interlaminar shear strength, revealing a 2.17% difference in fiber weight fraction among specimens with varying parameters, indicating a minimal effect of fiber weight fraction on mechanical properties. Optical digital microscope (ODM) analysis identified interlaminar large-size voids in specimens treated with vibration energy of 5 g and 15 g, while specimens subjected to a vibration energy of 10 g exhibited numerous small-sized voids within layers, suggesting that vibration acceleration influences void escape pathways. Finally, impact testing revealed the effect of the vibration pretreatment process parameters on the impact strength, implying a positive correlation between interlaminar shear strength and impact strength. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Functional Polymers and Composites)

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14 pages, 3292 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Zn-Al Ferrite/Polypyrrole Nanocomposites: Structure and Dielectric and Magnetic Properties for Microwave Applications

by Huda F. Khalil, Sherif G. Elsharkawy, Nouf F. AL-Harby and Mervette El-Batouti

Polymers 2024, 16(17), 2432; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16172432 - 28 Aug 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1557

Abstract

In this study, Zn-Al ferrite/polypyrrole (PPy) nanocomposites were synthesized and thoroughly characterized to explore their potential for microwave applications. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the presence of ZnO, AlFeO₃, and Fe₂O₃ phases, with the crystal size decreasing from 31 nm to 19.6 nm as aluminum content increased. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) revealed a distinctive core–shell morphology, where the polypyrrole encapsulates the ZnAl_xFe_2−xO₄ particles. Magnetic measurements showed that decreasing aluminum concentration led to a reduction in both saturation magnetization (Ms) from 75 emu/g to 36 emu/g and remanent magnetization (Mr) from 2.26 emu/g to 2.00 emu/g. Dielectric analysis indicated that both the real (ε′) and imaginary (ε″) components of dielectric permittivity decreased with increasing frequency, particularly between 10 and 14 GHz. Furthermore, electrical modulus analysis highlighted the significant impact of aluminum doping on relaxation time (τIP), indicating the presence of interface polarization. Impedance spectroscopy results underscored the dominance of interface polarization at lower frequencies and the presence of strong conduction paths at higher frequencies. These combined magnetic and dielectric loss mechanisms suggest that the Zn-Al ferrite/polypyrrole nanocomposite is a promising candidate for advanced microwave absorption applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Functional Polymers and Composites)

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10 pages, 10070 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Properties of EPDM Nanocomposites Reinforced with Modified Montmorillonite

by Zhanxu Li, Zilong Chen, Weichong Sun, Yangling Liu, Xiong Wang, Jun Lin, Jian Wang and Shaojian He

Polymers 2024, 16(16), 2381; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16162381 - 22 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1342

Abstract

Considering the dilemma of obtaining economic and high-performance composites based on non-polar and main-chain-saturated ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM), we proposed an effective and universal filler modification and nanocomposite preparation method. Specifically, the montmorillonite (MMT) surface was coated with polydopamine (PDA) to obtain DMMT, which was confirmed by XRD, XPS, FTIR, and TGA. After compounding DMMT gel with the solid EPDM via the gel compounding method, a silane coupling agent, vinyltrimethoxysilane, was introduced to construct covalent interactions between rubber and filler. Compared with the unmodified MMT filler EPDM, the EPDM/DMMT nanocomposite showed much fewer filler aggregates in the matrix. The highest tensile strength of the composites reached 6.5 MPa with 10 phr DMMT, almost 200% higher than that of pure EPDM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Functional Polymers and Composites)

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15 pages, 11406 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fatigue Performance of 3D-Printed Poly-Lactic-Acid Bone Scaffolds with Triply Periodic Minimal Surface and Voronoi Pore Structures

by Hamed Bakhtiari, Alireza Nouri and Majid Tolouei-Rad

Polymers 2024, 16(15), 2145; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16152145 - 28 Jul 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1660

Abstract

Bone scaffolds serve a crucial role in tissue engineering, particularly in facilitating bone regeneration where natural repair is insufficient. Despite advancements in the fabrication of polymeric bone scaffolds, the challenge remains to optimize their mechanical resilience. Specifically, research on the fatigue behaviour of polymeric bone scaffolds is scarce. This study investigates the influence of pore architecture on the mechanical performance of poly-lactic-acid (PLA) scaffolds under quasi-static and cyclic compression. PLA scaffolds with a 60% porosity were fabricated using extrusion-based 3D printing in various designs: Gyroid, Lidinoid, Fischer–Koch, IWP, and Voronoi. Results demonstrated that Gyroid scaffolds had the highest compressive strength (6.6 MPa), followed by Lidinoid, Fischer–Koch, IWP, and Voronoi designs. Increased strut thickness was linked to higher compressive strength. However, normalized fatigue resistance showed a different pattern. While scaffolds resisted fatigue cycles at low strain amplitudes, fatigue damage was observed at higher strains. Voronoi structures exhibited the highest normalized fatigue performance, enduring around 58,000 cycles at 85% strain amplitude, followed by Gyroid, Fischer–Koch, Lidinoid, and IWP structures. Enhanced fatigue performance in different topologies correlated with the minimum cross-sectional area of scaffolds. Given the importance of both static and fatigue strength, the Gyroid topology emerges as the superior choice overall. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Functional Polymers and Composites)

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12 pages, 4716 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Aramid Honeycomb Cores under Constant Pressure: Unveiling the Out-of-Plane Compression Deformation

by Xinzheng Huang, Xin Hu, Jinzhan Guo, Dechao Zhang, Shunming Yao, Lihua Zhan, Bolin Ma, Minghui Huang and Lihua Zhang

Polymers 2024, 16(14), 1974; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16141974 - 10 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1534

Abstract

The primary challenge during the secondary bonding process of full-height honeycomb sandwich structures is the aramid honeycomb core’s height shrinkage. This paper systematically investigated the height evolution behavior of the honeycomb core by using a creep testing machine. The results showed that the out-of-plane compression deformation curve of aramid honeycomb cores is mainly divided into three stages: the dehumidification stage, the pressurization stage and the creep stage. Under conditions of high temperature and pressure, height shrinkage was attributed to the dehydration caused by moisture infiltration, and the compression creep resulted from the slippage of polymer molecular chains. Dehydration shrinkage is stable, whereas compression creep reflects typical viscoelastic polymer characteristics. By employing the viscoelastic Burgers mechanical model and applying the nonlinear surface fitting method, the total height shrinkage deformation behavior of the aramid honeycomb core during the curing process can be accurately predicted by summing the above three stages. This research contributes valuable insights for the manufacturing process of honeycomb sandwich structures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Functional Polymers and Composites)

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Review

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17 pages, 3150 KiB

Open AccessReview

Exploring the Origins of Low-Temperature Thermochromism in Polydiacetylenes

by Magdalena Wilk-Kozubek, Bartłomiej Potaniec, Patrycja Gazińska and Joanna Cybińska

Polymers 2024, 16(20), 2856; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16202856 - 10 Oct 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2067

Abstract

This review article delves into the intriguing phenomenon of low-temperature thermochromism, whereby materials change color in response to temperature variations, with a particular focus on its applications in temperature-sensitive fields like medical storage. By closely examining thermochromic materials, this article highlights their potential to offer innovative solutions for monitoring and preserving thermolabile products that require strict temperature control. This leads to a special emphasis on polydiacetylenes (PDAs), a class of conjugated polymers with unique low-temperature thermochromic properties, positioning them as promising candidates for reliable temperature indicators. This article then explores the underlying mechanisms for fine-tuning the thermochromic behavior of PDAs, particularly discussing recent advancements in PDA design, such as structural alterations of monomers to achieve low-temperature thermochromism. These modifications, influenced by factors like side-chain length, hydrogen-bonding interactions, and the use of copolymers, are intended to result in irreversible color transitions at specific low temperatures, which is crucial to maintaining the integrity of thermally sensitive products. Finally, this article discusses the potential applications of PDAs as thermochromic sensors in tissue biobanking, where their ability to provide visual indications of temperature fluctuations could significantly enhance the monitoring and management of biological samples. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Functional Polymers and Composites)

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21 pages, 39792 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Eco-Friendly Polymer Nanocomposite Coatings for Next-Generation Fire Retardants for Building Materials

by Haradhan Kolya and Chun-Won Kang

Polymers 2024, 16(14), 2045; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16142045 - 17 Jul 2024

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4754

Abstract

The increasing global commitment to carbon neutrality has propelled a heightened focus on sustainable construction materials, with wood emerging as pivotal due to its environmental benefits. This review explores the development and application of eco-friendly polymer nanocomposite coatings to enhance wood’s fire resistance, addressing a critical limitation in its widespread adoption. These nanocomposites demonstrate improved thermal stability and char formation properties by integrating nanoparticles, such as nano-clays, graphene oxide, and metal oxides, into biopolymer matrices. This significantly mitigates the flammability of wood substrates, creating a robust barrier against heat and oxygen. The review provides a comprehensive examination of these advanced coatings’ synthesis, characterization, and performance. By emphasizing recent innovations and outlining future research directions, this review underscores the potential of eco-friendly polymer nanocomposite coatings as next-generation fire retardants. This advancement supports the expanded utilization of wood in sustainable construction practices and aligns with global initiatives toward achieving carbon neutrality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Functional Polymers and Composites)

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