Advanced Design and Functionalization Strategies for Carbon-Based Polymer Composites

Dear Colleagues,

Since Iijima’s discovery of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in 1991, as well as the pioneering report relating to polymer/CNT nanocomposites by Ajayan et al. in 1994, carbon-based composites have continued to attract wide interest due to their exceptional mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties. As a matter of fact, polymer composites reinforced with carbon-based nanomaterials have emerged as a rapidly developing field, combining the versatility of polymers with the exceptional properties of carbon allotropes. Carbon nanotubes, graphene, and related nanostructures provide remarkable mechanical strength, thermal stability, and electrical conductivity, enabling the design of advanced multifunctional materials. Their integration into polymer matrices creates opportunities for applications ranging from structural reinforcement and lightweight engineering to flexible electronics, sensors, energy storage, and biomedical devices.

The effective utilization of carbon-based materials in polymers, remains highly dependent on achieving uniform dispersion and strong interfacial interactions within the matrix. To address these challenges, researchers have developed a variety of design and functionalization strategies, ranging from physical and chemical surface treatments to advanced processing technologies—all of them play a crucial role in optimizing composite performance. Advanced characterization techniques, including spectroscopy, scattering, and rheology, provide further critical insights into composite behavior and guide material design. Nevertheless, further progress is required to overcome issues relating to scalability, property optimization, and commercialization.

Compared with other nanofillers such as clays and metal oxides, the commercial adoption of polymer/carbon-based nanocomposites remains limited. To close this gap, innovative approaches are needed to improve dispersion, tailor interfacial interactions, and develop scalable manufacturing methods. At the same time, understanding novel mechanisms of reinforcement, conductivity, and multifunctionality will accelerate the transition of CNT composites from laboratory research to practical applications.

In this sense, this Special Issue, entitled “Advanced Design and Functionalization Strategies for  Carbon-Based Polymer Composites”, invites contributions that address the latest developments in the design, fabrication, and application of polymer composites with carbon nanotubes, graphene, and related carbon nanostructures, including, but not limited to, the following:

• Advanced dispersion techniques and functionalization strategies for polymer composites reinforced with carbon nanotubes, graphene, and related carbon nanostructures.
• Novel and scalable processing methods for polymer composites reinforced with carbon nanotubes, graphene, and related carbon nanostructures.
• Mechanical property improvements, including modulus, strength, and fracture toughness in polymer nanocomposites reinforced with carbon nanotubes, graphene, and related carbon nanostructures.
• Enhanced electrical and thermal conductivities.
• Synergistic effects of CNTs with other reinforcing agents.

Dr. Mateusz Olszewski
Dr. Hengxi Chen
Guest Editors

Dr. Lorenzo De Noni
Guest Editor Assistant

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