Polymers in Sustainable Construction Composites: Rheology, Mechanical Performance, and Durability

Dear Colleagues,

Polymers have become transformative agents for cementitious materials, offering unparalleled opportunities for engineering properties from the molecular to the macroscopic scale. Their unique macromolecular properties allow precise control of rheological properties in the fresh state and mechanical properties in the hardened state, and improve the long-term durability of cement-based composites. The strategic combination of polymers—whether as modified admixtures, reinforcing fibers, or as a substitute for aggregates in cement-based concrete through polymer/plastic waste—addresses key challenges in modern construction, including the demand for sustainable, resilient, and high-performance infrastructure materials. Recent advances in this field have provided interesting insights into polymer–cement interactions, especially how interface bonding and microstructures affect the performance of composite materials.

Recognizing the growing importance of polymer technology in architectural science, this Special Issue of Polymers invites scholars to submit papers that enhance our understanding of polymer-modified cementitious systems. We seek to research and explore innovative polymer admixtures (such as latex, redispersible powders, and viscosity regulators) and their impact on processability, solidification behavior, and early performance. Of particular interest is research on polymer-based fiber reinforcement (including PVA, PP, PE, and acrylic fibers) and their roles in enhancing toughness, crack resistance, and mechanical properties. This Special Issue will emphasize the relationship between microstructures and performance through advanced characterization techniques (SEM, XRD, and nanoindentation). It also welcomes research on durability, such as shrinkage relief, chemical resistance, and long-term stability. We encourage works that address sustainability challenges through research on life cycle assessment, low-carbon formulations, recycling strategies for polymer cement composites, and the substitution of polymer/plastic waste for aggregates in cement-based concrete.

This Special Issue aims to combine fundamental research with practical applications, covering topics ranging from nanoscale interface phenomena to full-scale structural performance. We welcome original research articles, comprehensive reviews, and case studies that use experimental, theoretical, or computational methods to understand and optimize polymer cement systems. Topics of interest include but are not limited to the following: new polymer formulations for cement modification; enhancing the fiber-matrix interaction in composite materials; multi-scale characterization of microstructure; durability enhancement strategies; and sustainable development of polymer-modified building materials, including the replacement of aggregates in cement-based concrete with polymer/plastic waste.

Prof. Dr. Burak Felekoglu
Prof. Dr. Ali Mardani
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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