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State-of-the-Art Polymer Science and Technology in France: 2nd Edition
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State-of-the-Art Polymer Science and Technology in France: 2nd Edition

A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Innovation of Polymer Science and Technology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 5538

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Antonio Pizzi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
LERMAB, Laboratoire d’Etude et de Recherche sur le MAteriau Bois, Université de Lorraine, 27 rue Philippe Seguin, CS60036, 88021 Epinal, France
Interests: polycondensation; resins; adhesives; thermosetting polymers for adhesives; natural polymers for industrial use; fibrous and wood composites; polymeric wood constituents (cellulose, lignin, tannins)
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

It is possibly superfluous to stress the dominant position of polymer science in all its facets, such as chemistry, physics, biology, medicine, engineering, and many other application fields, and the progresses achieved since the concept of the “polymer” was competitively advanced by both Herman Staudinger and Herman Mark. Who of the general public has not heard of polyethylene and polypropylene? Who has not heard that polymeric adhesives are extensively used in—“to compare apples and oranges”—planes, medicine, dentistry, and furniture? Many other polymer applications could be mentioned, but there are now so many. This is said to show how vast and extremely varied the polymer field has become. Intense research in many research and industrial laboratories in today’s world are focusing on the formulation and testing of new polymer materials, both synthetic and biosourced, such as fibers, rubber, coatings, adhesives, foams, and plastics, as well as in understanding their functioning mechanisms and developing their engineering applications. We are literally surrounded by polymers in every aspect of our life, often without even realizing it. In France, a flurry of research was conducted by scientists and engineers, active in both academia and industry, on all sorts of polymer materials, such as those used in electricity; electronics; information; biotechnology; medicine; dentistry; automation and transportation; building, wood, energy, and biosourced materials; the environment; aviation; and space applications. Developments in polymer science continue on a daily basis and will contribute to even more innovative materials and technologies that will continue to improve the world and change how we all live. We hope that this Special Issue will be representative of some of the cutting-edge, innovative research in polymer science and technology in France. 

The topics of this Special Issue will include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Polymer chemistry and physics;
  • Polymer micro- and nano-composites;
  • Biopolymers and bio-based polymers;
  • Polymer processing and engineering;
  • Polymer sustainability;
  • Polymer characterization.

Prof. Dr. Antonio Pizzi
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

  • polymer chemistry and physics
  • polymer micro- and nano-composites
  • biopolymers and bio-based polymers
  • polymer processing and engineering
  • polymer sustainability
  • polymer characterization

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 1776 KiB  
Article
Chestnut Tannin/Furfuryl Alcohol Copolymers for Beech Wood Chemical Modification
by João Vitor Dorini Falavinha, Philippe Gérardin, Pedro Henrique Gonzales De Cademartori and Christine Gérardin-Charbonnier
Polymers 2025, 17(9), 1159; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17091159 - 24 Apr 2025
Viewed by 241
Abstract
Tannins, present in all plants, are the most abundant polyphenols in the world. Their potential as a raw material for modifying wood alongside furfuryl alcohol (FA) has already been demonstrated in previous studies. This study focused on using large quantities of hydrolysable tannins [...] Read more.
Tannins, present in all plants, are the most abundant polyphenols in the world. Their potential as a raw material for modifying wood alongside furfuryl alcohol (FA) has already been demonstrated in previous studies. This study focused on using large quantities of hydrolysable tannins from chestnut (Castanea sativa) to replace as much FA as possible to chemically modify beech wood (Fagus sylvatica L.). Impregnation was carried out using different concentrations and ratios of both FA and tannins and tartaric acid as catalysts through a vacuum/atmospheric pressure cycle. Copolymerization was carried out for 24 h at 120 °C. Properties such as weight percent gain (WPG), leachability, anti-swelling efficiency (ASE), thermal stability, wettability and durability against brown rot (Coniophora puteana) and white rot (Coriolus versicolor) were analyzed and compared to a furfurylation treatment without the addition of tannins. These treatments were also chemically characterized using FTIR spectroscopy. The results showed that replacing 50% of FA mass by tannins largely increased WPG and demonstrated similar leachability and dimensional stability to standard furfurylation. Above all, the new treatment showed to have better resistance to wood-degrading fungi, in addition to improved wettability and thermal stability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Polymer Science and Technology in France: 2nd Edition)
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17 pages, 3404 KiB  
Article
Efficient Lignin Precipitation from Softwood Black Liquor Using Organic Acids for Sustainable Valorization
by Elsa Duret, Luanna C. R. de Moura, Amaia Morales, Jalel Labidi, Eduardo Robles and Fatima Charrier-El Bouhtoury
Polymers 2025, 17(7), 926; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17070926 - 29 Mar 2025
Viewed by 390
Abstract
The chemical industry’s transition towards sustainability necessitates the development of eco-friendly processes that can replace petrochemical derivatives. Lignin, the second most abundant plant polymer, has potential as a renewable alternative to phenolic compounds. This study investigates lignin precipitation from softwood black liquor using [...] Read more.
The chemical industry’s transition towards sustainability necessitates the development of eco-friendly processes that can replace petrochemical derivatives. Lignin, the second most abundant plant polymer, has potential as a renewable alternative to phenolic compounds. This study investigates lignin precipitation from softwood black liquor using five organic acids (acetic, citric, lactic, malic, and oxalic) as a sustainable alternative to sulfuric acid. The precipitated lignins were subjected to comprehensive chemical and thermal characterization, revealing higher total phenolic content and enhanced reactivity when organic acids were employed. Notably, organic acid-precipitated lignins demonstrated comparable or superior purity, with ash contents below 0.50%, compared to 3.28% observed for sulfuric acid-precipitated lignin. These findings suggest that organic acids are a viable and greener alternative for lignin precipitation, promoting higher purity and yield, thus supporting lignin valorization efforts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Polymer Science and Technology in France: 2nd Edition)
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26 pages, 7065 KiB  
Article
Influence of Alkaline Treatment and Fiber Morphology on the Mechanical, Physical, and Thermal Properties of Polypropylene and Polylactic Acid Biocomposites Reinforced with Kenaf, Bagasse, Hemp Fibers and Softwood
by Zeinab Osman, Mohammed Elamin, Elhem Ghorbel and Bertrand Charrier
Polymers 2025, 17(7), 844; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17070844 - 21 Mar 2025
Viewed by 417
Abstract
This novel study explores a comprehensive approach, combining fiber and matrix structure–property relationships. By integrating alkali treatment, fiber mapping, and intrinsic fiber properties, this work offers a unique perspective on the mechanical, physical, and thermal properties of biodegradable composites of reinforced polypropylene (PP) [...] Read more.
This novel study explores a comprehensive approach, combining fiber and matrix structure–property relationships. By integrating alkali treatment, fiber mapping, and intrinsic fiber properties, this work offers a unique perspective on the mechanical, physical, and thermal properties of biodegradable composites of reinforced polypropylene (PP) and plasticized poly (lactic acid) (PLA), with 25 wt% Kenaf (KBF), Bagasse, Hemp fibers and softwood fibers serving as a control. To enhance fiber–matrix interaction, fibers underwent alkaline treatment using 5% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) for one hour. The mechanical properties, including tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and impact strength, were evaluated alongside physical and thermal properties such as fiber mapping, brightness, heat deflection temperature (HDT), melting temperature, melt flow ratio (MFR), and melt flow index (MFI). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to assess the biocomposites’ morphology. The results showed that fiber reinforcement improved the tensile and impact strength of PP composites, particularly for treated Bagasse (6.6% and 22%) and Hemp (7% and 44.7%), while Kenaf exhibited minimal change, indicating its inherently high strength. A slight increase in tensile strength and Young’s modulus was observed in all PLA-based composites. The addition of 25% fiber enhanced the thermal properties of both treated and untreated fiber-reinforced composites. Among PP composites, those reinforced with treated fibers exhibited the highest HDT, with Kenaf achieving the best performance (124 °C), followed by Bagasse (93 °C). The HDT values for untreated fibers were 119 °C for KBF, 100 °C for softwood, 86 °C for Bagasse, and 79 °C for Hemp. PLA composites showed a slight increase in HDT with fiber reinforcement. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) revealed a slight decrease in melting temperature for PP composites and a slight increase for PLA composites. Fiber mapping analysis indicated that Kenaf had the highest aspect ratio, contributing to superior mechanical performance, while Hemp had the lowest aspect ratio and exhibited weaker mechanical properties. Overall, Kenaf and Bagasse fibers demonstrated superior mechanical and thermal properties, comparable to those of softwood fibers, whereas Hemp exhibited moderate performance. The variations in composites behavior were attributed to differences in fiber mapping, alkaline treatment, and the intrinsic properties of both the polymer matrices and the reinforcing fibers. These findings highlight the potential of treated natural fibers, particularly Kenaf and Bagasse, in enhancing the mechanical and thermal properties of biodegradable composites, reinforcing their suitability for sustainable material applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Polymer Science and Technology in France: 2nd Edition)
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14 pages, 1907 KiB  
Article
Homogeneous Polymerization of Kraft Lignin Using an Alkaliphilic Multi-Copper Oxidase (Bilirubin Oxidase) in a Borate Buffer
by Lou Delugeau, Aurèle Camy, Léna Alembik, Philippe Poulin, Sébastien Gounel, Nicolas Mano, Frédéric Peruch and Stéphane Grelier
Polymers 2025, 17(6), 779; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17060779 - 14 Mar 2025
Viewed by 494
Abstract
Enzymatic modification of Kraft lignin under alkaline conditions was investigated using bilirubin oxidase (BOD) in borate buffer (pH 10). Control solubilization without enzyme addition revealed a notable increase in molar mass (up to 1.7-fold) and potential borate complexation with lignin hydroxyl groups, as [...] Read more.
Enzymatic modification of Kraft lignin under alkaline conditions was investigated using bilirubin oxidase (BOD) in borate buffer (pH 10). Control solubilization without enzyme addition revealed a notable increase in molar mass (up to 1.7-fold) and potential borate complexation with lignin hydroxyl groups, as evidenced by thermogravimetric and 11B NMR analyses. BOD treatments induced substantial polymerization, with molar mass increases of up to 4-fold for insoluble fractions after 24 h, while soluble fractions exhibited progressive increases over 5 days. Quantitative 31P NMR showed reductions in aliphatic and phenolic hydroxyl groups by 20%, suggesting oxidative coupling reactions, particularly through 4-O-5′ and 5-5′ linkages. Solid-state 13C NMR confirmed structural changes associated with polymerization. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) indicated the presence of colloidal aggregates, potentially explaining challenges in HSQC NMR signal acquisition. These findings highlight the efficacy of bilirubin oxidase in catalyzing lignin polymerization and underscore the structural impact of borate–lignin interactions in alkaline media, paving the way for advanced lignin valorization strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Polymer Science and Technology in France: 2nd Edition)
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16 pages, 3825 KiB  
Article
Innovative Blown Multi-Micro-Nano-Layer Coextrusion: Insights into Rheology and Process Stability
by Lazaros Vozikis, Skander Mani, Abderrahim Maazouz and Khalid Lamnawar
Polymers 2025, 17(1), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17010057 - 29 Dec 2024
Viewed by 3562
Abstract
The present study introduces an innovative blown coextrusion die technology designed to address a critical gap in the production of multilayer films. Unlike conventional systems, this novel die allows for the creation of films with a high number of layers, ensuring layer integrity [...] Read more.
The present study introduces an innovative blown coextrusion die technology designed to address a critical gap in the production of multilayer films. Unlike conventional systems, this novel die allows for the creation of films with a high number of layers, ensuring layer integrity even in the micro-nano scale. A key advancement of this die is its ability to increase the number of layers without extending the residence time since it does not require an additional multiplier element. The risk of thermal degradation can, thus be, minimized. The die can easily be combined with existing cast coextrusion technologies, making it very versatile. Stability maps were developed to define processability and, in association with rheological analysis, optimal processing windows were determined. This study highlights the potential of enhancing material efficiency by increasing the number of layers while reducing the need for high percentages of EVOH. The produced multilayer films exhibited strong layer adhesion without the use of tie layers, thus improving recyclability and supporting sustainability goals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Polymer Science and Technology in France: 2nd Edition)
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