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Polymers
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Advances in Functional Rubber and Elastomer Composites, 3rd Edition
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Advances in Functional Rubber and Elastomer Composites, 3rd Edition

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2025 | Viewed by 1556

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Md Najib Alam

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Mechanical Engineering, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-Ro, Gyeongsan 38541, Gyeongbuk, Republic of Korea
Interests: vulcanization; rubber nanocomposites; energy harvesting; sensors and actuators; magnetorheological elastomers
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Vineet Kumar

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Mechanical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongbuk 38541, Republic of Korea
Interests: portable electronics; hydrogels; soft elastomers; smart sensors; self-powered nanogenerators
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Recently, research on functional rubber and elastomer-based materials has been expanding beyond their traditional mechanical applications. Elastomers possess high stretchability and low mechanical hysteresis, making them perfect for long-lasting dynamic applications. However, in many cases, rubber alone may not suffice. To render it useful for advanced applications, functional fillers can be employed. Rubber composites, tailored to specific functionalities, are now widely utilized in numerous advanced fields, including mechanical, thermal, electrical, and electronic applications. Particularly, rubber materials for energy harvesting and strain sensing are in the developmental stages, generating significant interest in energy devices for health monitoring and other technologies. Similarly, like other functional materials, rubber can find utility in various advanced engineering applications.

The aim of this Special Issue is to compile knowledge related to the fabrication, characterization, and properties of advanced functional rubber and elastomer composites for use in advanced mechanical, thermal, electrical, magnetic, and other stretchable applications. We also warmly welcome theoretical discussions and critical review papers pertaining to functional elastomers and their composites.

Dr. Md Najib Alam
Dr. Vineet Kumar
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

  • advanced rubber composites
  • stretchable conductor
  • flexible electronics
  • sensors and actuators
  • magnetorheological elastomers
  • energy harvesting
  • functional fillers
  • phase change materials
  • functionalized elastomers
  • smart designing

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Related Special Issues

Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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31 pages, 3727 KiB  
Article
Time-Domain Characterization of Linear Viscoelastic Behavior in Asphalt Mixtures: A Comparative Evaluation Through Discrete and Continuous Spectral Techniques
by Fei Zhang, Bingyuan Huo, Wanmei Gui, Chao Li, Heng Liu, Yongming Xing, Lan Wang and Pucun Bai
Polymers 2025, 17(10), 1299; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17101299 - 9 May 2025
Viewed by 160
Abstract
This study systematically investigates continuous and discrete spectra methodologies for determining time-domain viscoelastic response functions (creep compliance and relaxation modulus) in asphalt mixtures. Through complex modulus testing of three asphalt mixtures (base asphalt mixture, SBS-modified asphalt mixture, and crumb rubber-modified asphalt mixture), we [...] Read more.
This study systematically investigates continuous and discrete spectra methodologies for determining time-domain viscoelastic response functions (creep compliance and relaxation modulus) in asphalt mixtures. Through complex modulus testing of three asphalt mixtures (base asphalt mixture, SBS-modified asphalt mixture, and crumb rubber-modified asphalt mixture), we established unified master curves using a Generalized Sigmoidal model with approximated Kramers–Kronig (K-K) relations. Discrete spectra can be obtained by Prony series of Maxwell/Kelvin modeling, while continuous spectra derived through integral transformation produced complementary response functions by numerical integration. Comparative analysis demonstrated that discrete and continuous spectra methods yield highly consistent predictions of the relaxation modulus and creep compliance within conventional time scales (10−7–105 s), with significant deviations emerging only at extreme temporal extremities. Compared to discrete spectra results, material parameters (relaxation modulus and creep compliance) derived from continuous spectra methods invariably asymptotically approach upper and lower plateaus. Notably, the maximum equilibrium values derived from continuous spectra methods consistently surpassed those obtained through discrete approaches, whereas the corresponding minimum values were consistently lower. This comparative analysis highlights the inherent limitations in the extrapolation reliability of computational methodologies, particularly regarding spectra method implementation. Furthermore, within the linear viscoelastic range, the crumb rubber-modified asphalt mixtures exhibited superior low-temperature cracking resistance, whereas the SBS-modified asphalt mixtures demonstrated enhanced high-temperature deformation resistance. This systematic comparative study not only establishes a critical theoretical foundation for the precise characterization of asphalt mixture viscoelasticity across practical engineering time scales through optimal spectral method selection, but also provides actionable guidance for region-specific material selection strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Functional Rubber and Elastomer Composites, 3rd Edition)
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18 pages, 9884 KiB  
Article
Effect of Thermal Aging on the Mechanical Properties of Rubber Composites Reinforced with Carbon Nanotubes
by Alžbeta Bakošová, Dana Bakošová, Petra Dubcová, Lukáš Klimek, Maroš Dedinský and Simona Lokšíková
Polymers 2025, 17(7), 896; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17070896 - 27 Mar 2025
Viewed by 515
Abstract
The incorporation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) enhances the mechanical performance of rubber composites. This study examines the effect of single-walled CNTs (1–4 phr) on the properties of a natural rubber compound for sealing applications, both before and after thermal aging, as prolonged exposure [...] Read more.
The incorporation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) enhances the mechanical performance of rubber composites. This study examines the effect of single-walled CNTs (1–4 phr) on the properties of a natural rubber compound for sealing applications, both before and after thermal aging, as prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures can alter material properties, affecting durability and functionality. The researched nanocomposites were subjected to a series of mechanical tests, dynamic mechanical analysis, and surface investigation using atomic force microscopy (AFM). After adding 4 phr of CNTs, tensile and tear strength increased by 11.73% and 14.64%, respectively, while aging-related strength degradation was reduced by 5%. CNTs also increased complex modulus and hardness but reduced elongation at break and rebound resilience. Residual deformation in tensile and compressive set tests decreased. AFM analysis confirmed improved surface stability after thermal aging compared to the CNT-free compound. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Functional Rubber and Elastomer Composites, 3rd Edition)
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Review

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62 pages, 12672 KiB  
Review
Rubber Fatigue Revisited: A State-of-the-Art Review Expanding on Prior Works by Tee, Mars and Fatemi
by Xiaoli Wang, Ramin Sedaghati, Subhash Rakheja and Wenbin Shangguan
Polymers 2025, 17(7), 918; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17070918 - 28 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 507
Abstract
Rubber materials can endure substantial deformation while avoiding permanent damage or rupture, making them highly suitable for applications in the automotive industry and other sectors, particularly for noise and vibration reduction. However, rubber experiences degradation over time as defects or cracks appear and [...] Read more.
Rubber materials can endure substantial deformation while avoiding permanent damage or rupture, making them highly suitable for applications in the automotive industry and other sectors, particularly for noise and vibration reduction. However, rubber experiences degradation over time as defects or cracks appear and propagate under fluctuating loads. Therefore, it is of critical importance to prevent the failure of rubber components during service. As highlighted in prior literature surveys by Tee et al. in 2018, Mars and Fatemi in 2002 and 2004, significant research has focused on the mechanics and analysis of rubber fatigue. This body of work has grown rapidly and continues to evolve. Therefore, this study aims to compile and analyze the vast body of recent research on rubber fatigue conducted over the last decade, supplementing the reviews by Tee et al. in 2018, Mars and Fatemi in 2002 and 2004. The gathered studies were analyzed to identify current trends and emerging research gaps in the fatigue study of rubber, including advanced composite rubber materials such as magnetorheological elastomers (MREs). This review emphasizes the analysis techniques and fatigue experiments available for fatigue life prediction in rubber materials, while illustrating their practical applications in engineering analyses through specific examples. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Functional Rubber and Elastomer Composites, 3rd Edition)
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