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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 May 2025) | Viewed by 6733

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Dr. Heon E. Park

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Department of Chemical and Paper Engineering, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, USA
Interests: environmentally friendly polymers; smart materials; biomedical engineering
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue aims to provide a platform for cutting-edge advancements in polymer composites utilizing upcycled wastes. Our mission is to foster innovative research that revolutionizes the way we view waste materials, transforming them into high-performance composites with vast applications. We encourage interdisciplinary contributions that explore novel synthesis techniques, manufacturing processes, characterization methods, and novel applications, all with a focus on eco-friendly practices and circular economy principles. This Special Issue seeks to accelerate the development of sustainable solutions, reducing our environmental impact while enhancing the mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties of composites. Eventually, we would shape a more sustainable future through innovation and responsible material usage.

Dr. Heon E. Park
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.

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Keywords

novel methods for recycling and upcycling waste materials
new methods to characterize and test
thermal stability and degradation
life cycle assessment and sustainability analysis
interface engineering and adhesion improvement
manufacturing techniques for large-scale production
challenges and opportunities in commercializing
application in construction and infrastructure
usages in automotive, aerospace, and transportation industries
bio-based fillers and reinforcements
circular economy models and policy implications
case studies and success stories

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 1314 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Biodegradation of Poly(lactic acid) in Compost at Room Temperature by Compounding Jade Particles

by Lilian Lin, Matthew Joe, Quang A. Dang and Heon E. Park

Polymers 2025, 17(15), 2037; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17152037 - 26 Jul 2025

Viewed by 361

Abstract

Although PLA is an attractive biodegradable polymer, its degradation under natural conditions is often slow. This study investigates whether incorporating pounamu (New Zealand jade) particles into PLA can enhance its biodegradation rate under composting conditions at room temperature. PLA composites containing 0 to 15 wt% pounamu were fabricated using both compression molding and 3D printing. A simple, reproducible protocol based on residual mass measurement was developed to monitor the biodegradation process over a 12-month period. The results showed that increasing pounamu content consistently accelerated mass loss of the composite in the compost, indicating enhanced biodegradation. The 3D-printed samples degraded more rapidly than compression-molded ones. This was attributed to the layered structure, internal microcavities, and lower crystallinity of the 3D-printed samples, which provided greater surface area and accessibility for microbial activity. These findings highlight the dual role of pounamu as both a crystallization promoter and a facilitator of biodegradation and underscore the importance of the processing method when designing biodegradable polymer composites for real-world applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Polymer Composites with Upcycling Waste)

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18 pages, 7622 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Recycling of Epoxy/Fiberglass Composite Using Pyridine

by Alexander E. Protsenko, Alexandra N. Protsenko, Olga G. Shakirova and Victor V. Petrov

Polymers 2025, 17(11), 1513; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17111513 - 29 May 2025

Viewed by 507

Abstract

This study presents a new approach to chemical processing using pyridine-based solvolysis to produce high-quality glass fiber from epoxy composites. Pyridine was chosen due to its solubility parameter, which precisely matches the parameters calculated for the epoxy matrix segment. Experiments with exposure in a pyridine medium demonstrated effective swelling and the potential for destruction. The solvolysis experiments were conducted in a round-bottomed flask with a reflux condenser and stirrer, under ambient conditions (20 °C) until the boiling point was reached (115.2 °C). Additionally, data from experimental studies conducted at subcritical temperatures before reaching 280 °C are presented. The dependences of changes in the mass of composites on time and temperature during the solvolysis process were determined. The tensile strength of the recovered fibers was examined, and thermogravimetric analysis was used to determine their properties. Fiberglass recovered at the boiling point is characterized by 91% tensile strength and 20% residual degradation products on the surface. The residual strength of fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FGRP) is 70.3%. The use of subcritical pyridine helps improve the quality of plastic products made from recycled fibers. This process retains 93% of the residual tensile strength for fibers that have been processed at 250 °C for two hours. Recycled fibers also contain 2.82% organic components on their surfaces. Using this material results in an increase in flexural strength of FGRP by 16.1%, compared to the reference samples. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Polymer Composites with Upcycling Waste)

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13 pages, 11026 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Stretch-Induced Spin-Cast Membranes Based on Semi-Crystalline Polymers for Efficient Microfiltration

by Junaid Saleem, Zubair Khalid Baig Moghal, Ahsan Hafeez, Samra Sajjad, Mohammad Shoaib, Johaina Alahmad and Gordon McKay

Polymers 2024, 16(13), 1799; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16131799 - 25 Jun 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1369

Abstract

Microfiltration membranes derived from semi-crystalline polymers face various challenges when synthesized through the extrusion–casting technique, including the use of large quantities of polymer, long casting times, and the generation of substantial waste. This study focuses on synthesizing these membranes using spin-casting, followed by stretch-induced pore formation. Recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and virgin polyethylene powder, combined with a calcium carbonate filler, were used as the source materials for the membranes. The influence of the polymer–filler ratio with and without stretching on the morphology, tensile strength, and water flow rate was investigated. Optimal conditions were determined, emphasizing a balance between pore structure and mechanical integrity. The permeable membrane exhibited a water flow rate of 19 mL/min, a tensile strength of 32 MPa, and a water contact angle of 126°. These membranes effectively eliminated suspended particles from water, with their performance evaluated against that of commercially available membranes. This research, carried out utilizing the spin-casting technique, outlines a synthesis route for microfiltration membranes tailored to semi-crystalline polymers and their plastic forms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Polymer Composites with Upcycling Waste)

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26 pages, 7932 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hemp Fiber-Reinforced Polymers Composite Jacketing Technique for Sustainable and Environment-Friendly Concrete

by Panumas Saingam, Qudeer Hussain, Gritsada Sua-iam, Adnan Nawaz and Ali Ejaz

Polymers 2024, 16(13), 1774; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16131774 - 23 Jun 2024

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1908

Abstract

This research suggested natural hemp fiber-reinforced ropes (FRR) polymer usage to reinforce recycled aggregate square concrete columns that contain fired-clay solid brick aggregates in order to reduce the high costs associated with synthetic fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs). A total of 24 square columns of concrete were fabricated to conduct this study. The samples were tested under a monotonic axial compression load. The variables of interest were the strength of unconfined concrete and the number of FRR layers. According to the results, the strengthened specimens demonstrated an increased compressive strength and ductility. Notably, the specimens with the smallest unconfined strength demonstrated the largest improvement in compressive strength and ductility. Particularly, the compressive strength and strain were enhanced by up to 181% and 564%, respectively. In order to predict the ultimate confined compressive stress and strain, this study investigated a number of analytical stress–strain models. A comparison of experimental and theoretical findings deduced that only a limited number of strength models resulted in close predictions, whereas an even larger scatter was observed for strain prediction. Machine learning was employed by using neural networks to predict the compressive strength. A dataset comprising 142 specimens strengthened with hemp FRP was extracted from the literature. The neural network was trained on the extracted dataset, and its performance was evaluated for the experimental results of this study, which demonstrated a close agreement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Polymer Composites with Upcycling Waste)

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Review

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34 pages, 3317 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Systematic Review of Epoxidation Methods and Mechanical Properties of Sustainable Bio-Based Epoxy Resins

by Manuel Álvarez, Anthony Reilly, Obey Suleyman and Caleb Griffin

Polymers 2025, 17(14), 1956; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17141956 - 17 Jul 2025

Viewed by 507

Abstract

There has been a growing interest in polymer-based materials in recent years, and current research is focused on reducing fossil-derived epoxy compounds. This review examines the potential of epoxidised vegetable oils (EVOs) as sustainable alternatives to these systems. Epoxidation processes have been systematically analysed and their influence on chemical, thermal, and mechanical properties has been assessed. Results indicate that basic, low-toxicity epoxidation methods resulted in resins with comparable performance to those obtained through more complex common/commercial procedures. In total, 5–7% oxirane oxygen content (OOC) was found to be optimal to achieve a balanced crosslink density, thus enhancing tensile strength. Furthermore, mechanical properties have been insufficiently studied, as less than half of the studies were conducted at least tensile or flexural strength. Reinforcement strategies were also explored, with nano-reinforcing carbon nanotubes (CBNTs) showing the best mechanical and thermal results. Natural fibres reported better mechanical performance when mixed with EVOs than conventional systems. On the other hand, one of the main constraints observed is the lack of consistency in reporting key chemical and mechanical parameters across studies. Environmental properties and end-of-life use are significant challenges to be addressed in future studies, as there remains a significant gap in understanding the end-of-life of these materials. Future research should focus on the exploration of eco-friendly epoxidation reagents and standardise protocols to compare and measure oil properties before and after being epoxidised. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Polymer Composites with Upcycling Waste)

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36 pages, 1698 KiB

Open AccessReview

Enhancing Bioplastic Degradation in Anaerobic Digestion: A Review of Pretreatment and Co-Digestion Strategies

by Mohamed Shafana Farveen, Raúl Muñoz, Rajnish Narayanan and Octavio García-Depraect

Polymers 2025, 17(13), 1756; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17131756 - 25 Jun 2025

Viewed by 864

Abstract

The increasing production of bioplastics worldwide requires sustainable end-of-life solutions to minimize the environmental burden. Anaerobic digestion (AD) has been recognized as a potential technology for valorizing waste and producing renewable energy. However, the inherent resistance of certain bioplastics to degradation under anaerobic conditions requires specific strategies for improvement. Thus, in this review, the anaerobic biodegradability of commonly used bioplastics such as polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polycaprolactone (PCL), and starch- and cellulose-based bioplastics are critically evaluated for various operational parameters, including the temperature, particle size, inoculum-to-substrate ratio (ISR) and polymer type. Special attention is given to process optimization strategies, including pretreatment techniques (mechanical, thermal, hydrothermal, chemical and enzymatic) and co-digestion with nutrient-rich organic substrates, such as food waste and sewage sludge. The combinations of these strategies used for improving hydrolysis kinetics, increasing the methane yield and stabilizing reactor performance are described. In addition, new technologies, such as hydrothermal pretreatment and microbial electrolysis cell-assisted AD, are also considered as prospective strategies for reducing the recalcitrant nature of some bioplastics. While various strategies have enhanced anaerobic degradability, a consistent performance across bioplastic types and operational settings remains a challenge. By integrating key recent findings and limitations alongside pretreatment and co-digestion strategies, this review offers new insights to facilitate the circular use of bioplastics in solid waste management systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Polymer Composites with Upcycling Waste)

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