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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2025 | Viewed by 1580

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Dr. Lavinia Petronela Curecheriu

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Faculty of Physics, Al. I. Cuza University of Iasi, Carol I, 700506 Iasi, Romania
Interests: dielectric properties; DC tunability; ferroelectric properties; electroceramics; core–shell composites
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In the last decade, the development of polymer-based composites has become one of the “hot topics” of research due to industry demand to obtain products with excellent properties and a small mass for both biological applications and microelectronics devices. Research activities are focused on strategies to improve the functional properties of polymer composites, such as searching for new combinations, microstructure optimization and texturing. Advancements in microstructure engineering allow polymer composites to be developed which possess the significant advantages of material coefficients and have potential applications in areas such as electronics, healthcare and automotive domains. This Special Issue is dedicated to current research activities on the most recent developments in polymer-based materials including novel material design, advanced fabrication techniques and models for explaining functional properties. This Special Issue invites researchers working in the field of materials science, including both experimental and theoretical approaches, to submit their research.

Dr. Lavinia Petronela Curecheriu
Guest Editor

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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.

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Keywords

polymer composites and nanocomposites
biobased composites
sustainable green composites
multifunctional composites
smart composites
novel design and fabrication
modification
structure-property-processing relationships
modelling and simulation

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 1571 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Acidic Immersion Media on the Flexural Properties of a High-Performance Fiber-Reinforced CAD/CAM Technopolymer

by Hanin E. Yeslam, Hazzaa H. Alqahtani, Aws M. Filemban, Sultan O. Jiffri and Abeer K. Tashkandi

Polymers 2025, 17(9), 1216; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17091216 - 29 Apr 2025

Abstract

Introduction: High-performance fiber-reinforced technopolymers for computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) of dental restorations offer superior durability and strength. However, exposure to acidic solutions may adversely affect these mechanical properties. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the flexural properties of a high-strength commercially available CAD/CAM fiber-reinforced dental material in response to water, cola, and artificial gastric acid solutions. Method: Forty bar-shaped specimens (1 × 4 × 13 mm) were fabricated from a pre-polymerized glass fiber-reinforced composite (Trilor disks, Bioloren, Saronno, Italy). Ten specimens were randomly selected for baseline testing. The remaining specimens were subdivided into three groups based on the storage media (n = 10): artificial gastric acid solution, Coca-Cola, and deionized water (37 °C, 48 h). Mean flexural strengths and moduli were statistically compared at a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: No statistically significant change in flexural strength was observed after immersion in the different media. However, there was a statistically significant decrease in the flexural modulus after storage for 48 h, regardless of pH. Conclusion: Fiber-reinforced CAD/CAM technopolymers show promising strength stability in response to varying pH conditions. However, further studies are needed to investigate the material’s long-term strength stability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in the Development of Polymer Composites: Design, Fabrication, Properties and Application)

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17 pages, 7141 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nano-Hydroxyapatite/Poly(methyl methacrylate) Composite Bone Scaffold: Surfactant Surface Effects

by Muhammed Enes Oruc, Nilüfer Evcimen Duygulu, Betul Onder, Aslihan Yelkenci, Cem Bülent Ustündag and Fatih Ciftci

Polymers 2025, 17(9), 1148; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17091148 - 23 Apr 2025

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Abstract

In this study, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanofiber scaffolds reinforced with synthesized nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA) were fabricated through electrospinning to enhance their potential for applications in bone tissue engineering. Sodium tripolyphosphate (STTP) was utilized as a surfactant to achieve a uniform distribution of particles and improve the structural integrity of the scaffolds. PMMA solutions were prepared at concentrations of the addition of STTP effectively stabilized n-HA dispersion, leading to enhanced fiber morphology, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The PMMA_10_HA_S nanofibers demonstrated a homogeneous fiber distribution with an average diameter of 345.40 ± 53.55 nm and a calcium content of 7.1%. Mechanical testing revealed that adding STTP enhanced the mechanical properties, with the n-HA-reinforced 10 wt.% PMMA nanofibers achieving a maximum tensile stress of 4.16 ± 2.13 MPa and an elongation of 7.1 ± 1.95%. Furthermore, cell cytotoxicity assays of different concentrations (25, 50, 75, and 100 mg/mL) using L929 fibroblast cells demonstrated no cytotoxic effect of PMMA_10_HA_S nanofibers. These findings, reinforced by STTP and n-HA, highlight the potential of PMMA_10_HA_S nanofiber scaffolds as promising candidates for bone tissue applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in the Development of Polymer Composites: Design, Fabrication, Properties and Application)

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20 pages, 6291 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing the Strength of 3D-Printed Polymer Exoprosthetic Socket by Localized Non-Planar Continuous Carbon Fiber Reinforcement

by Daria Dolgikh, Evgeniy Lobov, Igor Bezukladnikov, Aleksandr Shalimov and Mikhail Tashkinov

Polymers 2025, 17(8), 1097; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17081097 - 18 Apr 2025

Viewed by 171

Abstract

This study investigates strategies to enhance the structural integrity of 3D-printed orthopedic transtibial exoskeleton sockets by integrating non-planar reinforcement with structured prepreg rods composed of continuous carbon fibers, leveraging multi-axis additive manufacturing techniques. A prototype of a cylindrical polyamide 3D-printed exoskeleton socket is examined. Numerical modeling using progressive failure analysis, incorporating material property degradation models, successfully simulated damage accumulation in the studied 3D-printed structures. Numerical simulations revealed that crack formation initiates in the socket’s distal section, aligning with physical test observations. Targeted localized reinforcement with carbon rods effectively strengthened the high-load regions of the prosthetic devices. A method to improve product strength by optimization of the internal architecture of the embedded reinforcements in the local stress concentrator zones is proposed. The results demonstrate a reduction in stress concentrations within prostheses when using carbon fiber reinforcements. Multi-axis dual extrusion non-planar additive manufacturing techniques were used to produce the developed prototypes. Surface morphology was examined, and optimal process parameters were determined to enhance printing quality. The developed approach enables precise reinforcement of custom-shaped sockets with complex geometries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in the Development of Polymer Composites: Design, Fabrication, Properties and Application)

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16 pages, 1523 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hardness and Roughness of Glass/Epoxy Composite Laminates Subjected to Different Hostile Solutions: A Comparative Study

by Ana Martins Amaro, M. F. Paulino, Maria Augusta Neto and Paulo N. B. Reis

Polymers 2025, 17(7), 993; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17070993 - 7 Apr 2025

Viewed by 271

Abstract

This work aims to compare the hardness (H) and roughness (R_a) of glass/epoxy composites after being exposed to various hostile environments, which is possible because the constituents are always the same. Considering the stacking sequence [45₂, 90₂, −45₂, 0₂]_s, the hardness increases for all solutions up to a certain exposure time, from which it decreases for longer immersion times. For the same stacking sequence, roughness had its highest increase (around 44.5%) for the alkaline solution after 36 days of immersion, while the highest decrease (around 25%) occurred for all mortars after 30 days of exposure. For the stacking sequence [0₂, 90₂]_2s, the hardness varied in the opposite direction for acidic and alkaline solutions, observing a direct increase in H with immersion time. However, for samples immersed in oil, hardness decreased as a function of immersion time. In terms of roughness, there was a linear increase with immersion time for all samples, which increased linearly. Therefore, it can be concluded that the stacking sequence has a significant influence on hardness and roughness. Furthermore, knowledge of the variation in hardness and roughness is very important because it can be associated with the structural response of a composite exposed to hostile environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in the Development of Polymer Composites: Design, Fabrication, Properties and Application)

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17 pages, 6278 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficient Removal of Mercury Ions Stabilized by Gold Solution Using Chitosan–Guar Gum Polymer Blend in Basic Media

by Azwifunimunwe Tshikovhi, Shivani B. Mishra, Ajay K. Mishra, Mokgaotsa J. Mochane and Tshwafo E. Motaung

Polymers 2025, 17(7), 985; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17070985 - 4 Apr 2025

Viewed by 295

Abstract

The highly efficient removal of mercury metal ions at a higher pH (basic media) is barely reported in the literature. In this study, we developed a novel adsorbent by blending chitosan with guar gum, designed to effectively remove mercury ions from basic media by stabilizing them with a gold (Au³⁺) solution. The FTIR confirmed the compatibility of chitosan and guar gum through hydrogen bonding. The morphology of the blend exhibited an amorphous and porous structure. A mesoporous structure with a surface area, volume, and diameter of 11.843 (m²/g), 0.184 (cm²/g), and 17.072 nm, respectively, was confirmed by BET. The adsorption behavior was analyzed using isotherms and kinetics models, which best fitted with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Freundlich adsorption isotherm model, respectively. The adsorbent was shown to be an excellent candidate for the removal of mercury ions in water, with an adsorption efficiency of 92% at pH 12 in 60 min and a maximum adsorption capacity of 370.37 (mg/g). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in the Development of Polymer Composites: Design, Fabrication, Properties and Application)

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19 pages, 8458 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Patch Repair for Composite Laminates Subjected to Low-Velocity Impact

by Xiaojun Wei, Mingxuan Huang, Chaocan Cai, Zhonghai Xu and Qingyu Peng

Polymers 2025, 17(7), 942; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17070942 - 30 Mar 2025

Viewed by 242

Abstract

The widespread use of composite materials has led to an increased focus on restoring the mechanical properties of damaged composite structures to ensure system safety. This study combines compression experiments and finite element simulations to investigate the effectiveness of different patch sizes and repair methods, including single- and double-sided repairs, in restoring the structural strength of composite laminates with barely visible impact damage (BVID). The results demonstrate that low-velocity impact significantly affects the strength of the laminate, reducing it to 68.53% of its original strength, highlighting the necessity of patch repair. For composite specimens repaired using patching, an increase in the patch radius consistently enhances strength recovery, reaching up to 93.96% of the original strength. However, this also leads to an increase in weight, suggesting that the patch radius should be selected based on the specific requirements of the application. Furthermore, double-sided patching is preferable to single-sided patching. This approach improves the repair efficiency by 4.96%, primarily due to its ability to provide a more uniform stress distribution. Consequently, the risk of premature buckling and failure under compressive loading is significantly reduced, ensuring improved structural integrity and durability. The finite element simulation results presented in this study align well with the experimental findings, with a maximum error of no more than 10.68%. In conclusion, this work provides reliable guidance for the optimal patch repair of composite structures and lays a solid foundation for the practical application of patch repairs in engineering. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in the Development of Polymer Composites: Design, Fabrication, Properties and Application)

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19 pages, 17085 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Constructing Multifunctional Composite Paper Coated with Polypyrrole@Lignocellulosic Slurry with Humidity Sensing, Conductivity, Antibacterial, and Photothermal Properties

by Qingrun Ni, Yating Wang, Shoujuan Wang, Magdi E. Gibril and Fangong Kong

Polymers 2025, 17(7), 898; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17070898 - 27 Mar 2025

Viewed by 287

Abstract

A multifunctional paper-based composite of paper coated with a polypyrrole@lignocellulosic slurry (PPy@LS) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was developed. PPy@LS was prepared via the polymerization of pyrrole onto a lignocellulosic slurry derived from hemp stalks prepared using deep eutectic solvents. The PPy@LS slurry was mixed with the required amount of CMC and vacuum-filtered onto filter paper to fabricate the composite (PPy@LS/CMC). The resulting composite paper exhibited excellent multifunctional properties, including electrical conductivity, photothermal conversion, and antibacterial properties. These properties are stable against external environments, such as water and abrasion, due to the addition of CMC. The electrical conductivity of PPy@LS/CMC varied in the dry (1.6 × 10⁻⁴ S/cm) and wet (4.8 × 10⁻⁶ S/cm) states, suggesting its potential application in humidity sensing. Notably, the PPy@LS/CMC paper achieved significant photothermal activity under light irradiation, as demonstrated by the measured surface temperature exceeding 80 °C in 10 min. Moreover, the composite paper exhibited > 99.9% antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (Gram-negative) and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive). The combination of the inherent characteristics of filter paper along with the photothermal property of PPy enable the PPy@LS/CMC composite appropriate for solar interfacial evaporation application. These multifunctional composite papers with innovative combinations of properties have great potential for applications in smart packaging, humidity sensing, biomedicine, and solar-driven water purifications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in the Development of Polymer Composites: Design, Fabrication, Properties and Application)

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