Dear Colleagues,

Graphene is well-known for its excellent mechanical properties. Inclusion of this nanofiller into the polymer matrix allows tunning of the polymer properties in order to meet certain electrical, thermal and mechanical standards. The semi-crystallization in the polymer/graphene nanocomposites is usually favoured by the presence of the nanosheet, while the glass transition temperature may increase, decrease, or even state invariant compared to the original polymer. Even a small percentage of (~1 wt %) of graphene or graphene oxide can result in a significant enhancement of the final polymer properties.

However, the detailed mechanism of the mechanical reinforcement is yet unknown. One model considers that the solid-like nanofiller phase is responsible for the increased elastic modulus of the nanocomposites. According to this approach, the observed behaviour is attributed to the formation of a network of filler particles, immersed within the polymer matrix. Another model is based on the assumption that glassy bridges are formed between neighbouring filler particles. This approach is consistent with arguments supporting the existence of a distribution of Tg‘s in thin polymer films. Deformation may disrupt these glassy polymer bridges leading to a lower degree of mechanical stability.

In this Special Issue, we encourage computational studies on polymer/graphene nanocomposites that focus on the polymer/graphene interface or interphase and the stress transfer mechanism. In particular, we welcome papers or reviews that discuss the recent developments in the understanding of the bound layer behaviour,  structure, dynamics, adhesion, and glass transition. Under which conditions is heterogeneous crystallization promoted and what are the decoupling characteristics of the adsorbed polymer layer on the nanosheet? What is the nature of the Arrhenius-like dynamics of the bound layer?

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.

• graphene
• polymer/graphene nanocomposite
• bound polymer layer
• mechanical reinforcement
• glass transition
• physical aging
• molecular dynamics