Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Polymers Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Material-Process-Structure Integrated Design for Advanced Polymeric Composites

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Published Papers

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 May 2025 | Viewed by 14708

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Zhen Wang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

School of Automobile, Chang'an University, Middle Section of Nan Erhuan Road, Xi'an 710064, China
Interests: composite formability; composite crashworthiness; optimization design of composite
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Guohua Zhu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

School of Automobile, Chang'an University, Middle Section of Nan Erhuan Road, Xi'an 710064, China
Interests: composite structures; mechanics of lattice materials; multi-scale modeling; crashworthiness; lightweight design
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Advanced fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) have exhibited their compelling features for extensive applications in automotive and aerospace industries. FRP composites not only possess the multi-scale characteristics of materials/structures, but their structural performance is closely related to the forming processes. Understanding the coupling mechanisms underlying the material–process–structure is important to develop the efficient and reliable integrated design method for advanced FRP composite structures. We welcome the submission of articles considering any of the following: multi-scale analysis method for composites, advanced manufacturing technology for composites, process–performance coupling mechanism of composites, material–process–structure–performance-integrated design method for composite structures.

Dr. Zhen Wang
Dr. Guohua Zhu
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

fiber-reinforced polymers
multi-scale
integrated model
optimization algorithm
collaborative design
lightweight

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.
e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

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

Published Papers (9 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

17 pages, 7837 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Advanced Phosphorus–Protein Hybrid Coatings for Fire Safety of Cotton Fabrics, Developed Through the Layer-by-Layer Assembly Technique

by Xuqi Yang, Xiaolu Li, Wenwen Guo, Abbas Mohammadi, Marjan Enetezar Shabestari, Rui Li, Shuyi Zhang and Ehsan Naderi Kalali

Polymers 2025, 17(7), 945; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17070945 - 31 Mar 2025

Viewed by 251

Abstract

An advanced, eco-friendly, and fully bio-based flame retardant (FR) system has been created and applied to the cellulose structure of the cotton fabric through a layer-by-layer coating method. This study examines the flame-retardant mechanism of protein-based and phosphorus-containing coatings to improve fire resistance. During combustion, the phosphate groups (−PO₄²⁻) in phosphorus containing flame retardant layers interact with the amino groups (–NH₂) of protein, forming ester bonds, which results in the generation of a crosslinked network between the amino groups and the phosphate groups. This structure greatly enhances the thermal stability of the residual char, hence improving fire resistance. Cone calorimeter and flammability tests show significant improvements in fire safety, including lower peak heat release rates, reduced smoke production, and higher char residue, all contributing to better flame-retardant performance. pHRR, THR, and TSP of the flame-retarded cotton fabric demonstrated 25, 54, and 72% reduction, respectively. These findings suggest that LbL-assembled protein–phosphorus-based coatings provide a promising, sustainable solution for creating efficient flame-retardant materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Material-Process-Structure Integrated Design for Advanced Polymeric Composites)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

18 pages, 5150 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Hard-Segment Structure on the Properties of Polyurethane/Poly(Ethyl Methacrylate) Damping Composites

by Jinbao Ma, Chi Ma, Risheng Long, Yan Jiang, Xingjia Wang, Chang Liu, Fan Li and Lee Tin Sin

Polymers 2025, 17(5), 636; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17050636 - 27 Feb 2025

Viewed by 478

Abstract

Damping material performance influences the efficacy of vibration and noise reduction. However, traditional damping materials often have low damping peaks or narrow damping temperature ranges. In this study, a series of polyurethane (PU)/poly(ethylene methacrylate) (PEMA) composites were synthesised, in which the PU hard segments were varied using toluene diisocyanate (TDI), diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), and hexamethylene diisocyanate. The soft segments comprised tetrahydrofuran homopolymer glycol. The influence of the hard-segment structure on the properties of the PU/PEMA composites was investigated by infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, and other experimental methods. The performance mechanism was explored from a molecular perspective via integration with molecular dynamics simulations. The PU/PEMA material with IPDI hard segments comprised numerous microphase-separated structures and exhibited greater free volume, fuller molecular-chain movement, and the highest damping performance, with a loss factor of 0.56. The PU/PEMA composites synthesised with TDI and MDI hard segments exhibited better compatibility, with the MDI-PU/PEMA system exhibiting a higher hydrogen-bonding force. This material also exhibited a higher thermal stability, with an initial breakdown temperature of 287.87 °C. This study provides a basis for regulating and optimising the performance of PU-based damping materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Material-Process-Structure Integrated Design for Advanced Polymeric Composites)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 6308 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Structurally Modified Toluene Diisocyanate-Based Polyurethane Pads on Chemical Mechanical Polishing of 4H Silicon Carbide Substrate

by Yiming Meng, Shanduan Zhang and Zefang Zhang

Polymers 2025, 17(5), 613; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17050613 - 25 Feb 2025

Viewed by 609

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of polycarbonate diol (PCDL)-modified toluene diisocyanate (TDI)-based polyester polyurethane polishing pads on the chemical mechanical polishing of 4H silicon carbide (4H-SiC) substrates. Employing a unique metho, PCDL alters the ratio of polyurethane soft and hard segments, facilitating the one-step synthesis of a polishing pad via chemical foaming. The extent of the reaction of isocyanate groups was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, while the changes in the glass transition temperature of the material before and after modification were evaluated using differential scanning calorimetry. The mechanical properties and surface morphology of the modified pad have been systematically characterized. The results showed that compared with the polyurethane polishing pad without PCDL, tensile strength was augmented by a factor of 2.1, the elastic modulus surged by a factor of 4.2, the elongation at break improved by a factor 1.6, and the wear index decreased by a factor of 0.5 by 40 wt.% PCDL loading. Furthermore, the modified pad demonstrated a 14.5% increase in material removal rate and a reduction in surface roughness of 4H-SiC from 0.124 nm to 0.067 nm. Additionally, the compact surface pore structure and enhanced chemical stability in the strong oxidizing slurry of the modified pad enabled superior polishing performance, achieving an ultrasmooth 4H-SiC surface. The study highlights the potential of tailored polyurethane formulations in enhancing polishing efficiency and surface finish in semiconductor manufacturing processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Material-Process-Structure Integrated Design for Advanced Polymeric Composites)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 4437 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fabrication of Polytetrafluoroethylene-Reinforced Fluorocarbon Composite Coatings and Tribological Properties Under Multi-Environment Working Conditions

by Changqing Xi, Bochao Zhang, Xiangdong Ye and Honghua Yan

Polymers 2024, 16(24), 3595; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16243595 - 22 Dec 2024

Viewed by 892

Abstract

Currently, few studies have been conducted on the use of fluorocarbon resin (FEVE) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as adhesive substrates and lubricating and anti-corrosion fillers, respectively, for the fabrication of PTFE-reinforced fluorocarbon composite coatings. In this paper, the tribological properties of polytetrafluoroethylene-reinforced fluorocarbon composite coatings were investigated through orthogonal tests under various operating conditions. The optimal configuration for coating preparation under dry friction and aqueous lubrication was thus obtained: the optimal filler particle size, mass ratio of FEVE to PTFE, spraying pressure, and curing agent content were 50 μm, 3:4.5, 0.3 MPa, and 0.3, respectively. Under oil lubrication, the corresponding optimal values were 5 μm, 3:4.5, 0.3 MPa, and 0.3, respectively. Tribological tests revealed that the best overall performance of the FEVE/PTFE coating was obtained when the mass ratio of FEVE to PTFE was 3:4.5, and the filler particle size also significantly affected the tribological properties under different environments, including the friction coefficients of the FEVE/50 μm-PTFE coating under both dry friction and aqueous lubrication, as well as the friction coefficient of the FEVE/5 μm-PTFE coating under oil lubrication. These coefficients were 0.067, 0.062, and 0.055, representing decreases of 86%, 92%, and 56%, respectively, compared to those of the pure FEVE coating under the same working conditions. This research was conducted with the goal of expanding the application of fluorocarbon coatings in the field of tribology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Material-Process-Structure Integrated Design for Advanced Polymeric Composites)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 15207 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Structure Design on Thermoplastic Composites Considering Forming Effects

by Wei Xie, Kai Song, Ju Yang, Fengyu Wang, Linjie Dong, Shengjie Jin, Guohua Zhu and Zhen Wang

Polymers 2024, 16(20), 2905; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16202905 - 15 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1261

Abstract

Carbon fiber reinforced polypropylene (CF/PP) thermoplastics integrate the superior formability of fabrics with the recoverable characteristics of polypropylene, making them a pivotal solution for achieving lightweight designs in new energy vehicles. However, the prevailing methodologies for designing the structural performance of CF/PP vehicular components often omit the constraints imposed by the manufacturing process, thereby compromising product quality and reliability. This research presents a novel approach for developing a stamping–bending coupled finite element model (FEM) utilizing ABAQUS/Explicit. Initially, the hot stamping simulation is implemented, followed by the transmission of stamping information, including fiber yarn orientation and fiber yarn angle, to the follow-up step for updating the material properties of the cured specimen. Then, the structural performance analysis is conducted, accounting for the stamping effects. Furthermore, the parametric study reveals that the shape and length of the blank holding ring exerted minimal influence on the maximum fiber angle characteristic. However, it is noted that the energy absorption and crushing force efficiency metrics of the CF/PP specimens can be enhanced by increasing the length of the blank holding ring. Finally, a discrete optimization design is implemented to enhance the bending performance of the CF/PP specimen, accounting for the constraint of the maximum shear angle resulting from the stamping process. The optimized design resulted in a mass reduction of 14.3% and an improvement in specific energy absorption (SEA) by 17.5% compared to the baseline sample. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Material-Process-Structure Integrated Design for Advanced Polymeric Composites)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

13 pages, 4507 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Sheet Properties of Cellulosic Polyglycidyl Methacrylate-Grafted Fibers in a Cationic Polyacrylamide/SiO₂/Anionic Polyacrylamide Retention Aid System

by Yueyue Wang, Pu Ma, Jun Huang, Lifang Guo, Yu Wang, Huamin Zhai and Hao Ren

Polymers 2024, 16(12), 1678; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16121678 - 13 Jun 2024

Viewed by 1144

Abstract

As increasing fiber hydrophobicity can significantly improve the paper dewatering process, we found that replacing SBKP and HBKP with 0.5% superhydrophobic CPGMA can significantly improve the dewatering of paper sheets. Therefore, it can be concluded that if CPGMA has little effect on paper properties, it will have potential industrial value in the papermaking industry. Consequently, it is necessary to further study the effect of the CPGMAs@CPAM/SiO₂/APAM system on paper properties. To evaluate the application potential of the system in the papermaking industry, we investigated the effects of CPGMAs, which replaced the fibers in the stocks, on the paper properties in the CPAM/SiO₂/APAM system. The findings demonstrate that as the CPGMA replacement increased, the paper’s tensile strength, bursting strength, tear resistance, and folding endurance all declined. The trend can be segmented into two phases: a rapid decrease for substitution amounts below 0.5% and a gradual decline for substitution amounts exceeding 0.5%. When replaced with a small amount of CPGMAs, there was a negligible effect on these properties. Second, the paper air permeability increased with the CPGMA substitution amount in the stock. Furthermore, the trend of paper air permeability can be divided into two stages—a rapid stage with a substitution amount of <0.5% and a slow stage with a substitution amount of >0.5%. A small amount of CPGMAs could distinctly improve the paper’s air permeability. Third, CPGMAs, which replaced fibers in the stock, minutely affected the paper formation. A small amount of CPGMAs substantially boosted the efficacy of the process of paper manufacture and certain characteristics of the paper, and it had a negligible impact on the strength of paper. The CPGMAs@CPAM/SiO₂/APAM technology has the potential to improve the retention and filtration performance of CPAM/SiO₂/APAM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Material-Process-Structure Integrated Design for Advanced Polymeric Composites)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

35 pages, 1165 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Natural-Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites for Furniture Applications

by Mariana Ichim, Emil Ioan Muresan and Elena Codau

Polymers 2024, 16(22), 3113; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16223113 - 6 Nov 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4032

Abstract

Increasing environmental awareness has driven a shift in furniture production from traditional materials, such as wood and wood-based panels, to sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives, such as natural-fiber-reinforced (NFR) composites. Environmental consciousness has become a key factor in both production and consumer choices, with growing demand for sustainably sourced materials, eco-friendly manufacturing processes, and durable furniture that helps reduce the impact of disposable products on the environment. This paper analyzes various requirements for natural-fiber-reinforced polymer composites used in furniture applications, including performance, structural–functional, ecological, economical, and safety requirements. It discusses factors influencing the performance of composite materials, such as the selection of matrix and reinforcing fibers, the matrix-to-reinforcement ratio, and the choice of manufacturing technology, as well as the compatibility and bonding between the matrix and fibers. Additionally, several standards commonly used to determine the mechanical, physical, and chemical properties of these materials are presented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Material-Process-Structure Integrated Design for Advanced Polymeric Composites)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

18 pages, 7084 KiB

Open AccessReview

Innovative Materials for High-Performance Tin-Based Perovskite Solar Cells: A Review

by Xiansheng Wang, Jianjun Yang, Jian Zhong, Junsheng Yu and Xinjian Pan

Polymers 2024, 16(21), 3053; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16213053 - 30 Oct 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2115

Abstract

With the rapid development of lead-based perovskite solar cells, tin-based perovskite solar cells are emerging as a non-toxic alternative. Material engineering has been an effective approach for the fabrication of efficient perovskite solar cells. This paper summarizes the novel materials used in tin-based perovskite solar cells over the past few years and analyzes the roles of various materials in tin-based devices. It is found that self-assembling materials and fullerene derivatives have shown remarkable performance in tin-based perovskite solar cells. Finally, this article discusses design strategies for new materials, providing constructive suggestions for the development of innovative materials in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Material-Process-Structure Integrated Design for Advanced Polymeric Composites)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 11536 KiB

Open AccessReview

From Molecular Design to Practical Applications: Strategies for Enhancing the Optical and Thermal Performance of Polyimide Films

by Liangrong Li, Wendan Jiang, Xiaozhe Yang, Yundong Meng, Peng Hu, Cheng Huang and Feng Liu

Polymers 2024, 16(16), 2315; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16162315 - 16 Aug 2024

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2817

Abstract

Polyimide (PI) films are well recognized for their outstanding chemical resistance, radiation resistance, thermal properties, and mechanical strength, rendering them highly valuable in advanced fields such as aerospace, sophisticated electronic components, and semiconductors. However, improving their optical transparency while maintaining excellent thermal properties remains a significant challenge. This review systematically checks over recent advancements in enhancing the optical and thermal performance of PI films, focusing on various strategies through molecular design. These strategies include optimizing the main chain, side chain, non-coplanar structures, and endcap groups. Rigid and flexible structural characteristics in the proper combination can contribute to the balance thermal stability and optical transparency. Introducing fluorinated substituents and bulky side groups significantly reduces the formation of charge transfer complexes, enhancing both transparency and thermal properties. Non-coplanar structures, such as spiro and cardo configurations, further improve the optical properties while maintaining thermal stability. Future research trends include nanoparticle doping, intrinsic microporous PI polymers, photosensitive polyimides, machine learning-assisted molecular design, and metal coating techniques, which are expected to further enhance the comprehensive optical and thermal performance of PI films and expand their applications in flexible displays, solar cells, and high-performance electronic devices. Overall, systematic molecular design and optimization have significantly improved the optical and thermal performance of PI films, showing broad application prospects. This review aims to provide researchers with valuable references, stimulate more innovative research and applications, and promote the deep integration of PI films into modern technology and industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Material-Process-Structure Integrated Design for Advanced Polymeric Composites)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Material-Process-Structure Integrated Design for Advanced Polymeric Composites

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (9 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI