Polymers

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser

Advances in Polymer Composites with Upcycling Waste

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

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.

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

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

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.

Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.

Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.

External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.

Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (2 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

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 1261

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)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

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 3 | Viewed by 1726

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)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Advances in Polymer Composites with Upcycling Waste

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (2 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI