Application of Polymers in the Field of Civil Engineering: Exploration of Innovative Materials and Cutting-Edge Technologies
A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymer Applications".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 January 2026
Special Issue Editors
Interests: Application of polymers in civil engineering materials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: solid waste utilization; green construction technology; functional pavement materials; asphalt modifying technology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
With the changing demands in civil engineering and the pursuit of high-performance materials, the application of polymers in this field has become a crucial research focus. Their unique molecular structures and diverse properties offer solutions that surpass those of traditional materials for civil engineering. Compared with traditional materials, polymers exhibit significant advantages. They can enhance structural strength, improve properties such as waterproofing and thermal insulation, and also drive the development of smart materials, bringing new possibilities for adaptive and self-healing structures. The interaction mechanisms between polymers and inorganic components are complex, enabling the improvement of composite material properties through chemical bonds, physical entanglement, or encapsulation, among other means. This facilitates the integration of nanomaterials, leading to the creation of high-performance nanocomposites with broad application prospects in structures such as bridges. Innovative technologies have expanded the application scope of polymers. For instance, 3D printing improves manufacturing efficiency and precision, nanotechnology enhances material performance, and biotechnology provides new sustainable and environmentally friendly approaches. However, the widespread application of polymers faces challenges. Cost-effectiveness is a key limiting factor, and the development of low-cost, high-performance materials represents an important direction. Long-term durability requires attention, as studying the patterns of performance changes and developing durable materials are of great significance for ensuring structural safety. Environmental sustainability is a societal focus, and the development of sustainable and eco-friendly polymer materials has become a trend, such as utilizing renewable resources and developing biodegradable materials.
Given the transformative potential of polymers and the need to overcome obstacles, this Special Issue, themed "Applications of Polymers in Civil Engineering: Exploration of Innovative Materials and Cutting-Edge Technologies", invites submissions. Topics of interest include the development of novel polymer-based building materials, research on polymer–inorganic interactions, the application of advanced manufacturing technologies, studies on smart and responsive polymer materials, the assessment of the long-term performance and environmental impacts of polymer-modified materials, and the exploration of sustainable and eco-friendly polymer sources, among others. We welcome original research articles, review papers, and case studies, with particular encouragement for submissions that demonstrate interdisciplinary approaches, innovative methods, or practical significance for practice.
Dr. Bowen Guan
Dr. Xiaolong Sun
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
- cementitious composites
- recycled materials
- smart additives
- structure characterization
- multiscale performance evaluation
- numerical modeling
- durability
- regeneration and sustainability
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