Polymer-Inorganic Composites for Special Applications

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue focuses on the current research in the polymer-inorganic composites with an emphasis on their application in the advanced technologies.

The composite materials based on a polymer matrix filled with the inorganic particles are of increasing interest due to a possibility of tuning of their functions. Different kinds of polymer matrices can be considered, such as thermoplastic & thermosetting materials, which are based on fossil or bio sources. Currently a very broad range of inorganic fillers is investigated:

- nanofillers, including ceramic nanoparticles: nanosilica, boron nitride nanotubes, silicon nanotubes, halloysite nanotubes, and metal nanopowders,

- microfillers, like: silica flour, layered mineral fillers, glass fibers, montmorillonite, fly ash,

- hybrid fillers, e.g. core-shell structures, POSS, MOF.

The Special Issue will concentrate on the following aspects related to the incorporation of the inorganic fillers into polymer matrix:

- dielectric composites,

- electrically conductive composites,

- improved mechanical parameters,

- enhanced thermal conductivity,

- improved heat dissipation,

- increased thermal resistance,

- functionally graded composite materials,

- antibacterial & antiviral functionality,

- self-cleaning materials,

- self-healing structures,

- gas barrier properties,

- materials for 3D printing,

- improved flame retardancy,

- modelling of polymer-inorganic composites,

- aging and lifetime assessment.

Sustainability is a crucial challenge nowadays, therefore recyclability and use of recycled materials are also of interest. Functionalization of a filler in order to improve properties of the filled polymer composite is a relevant aspect, therefore research works on silanization or other surface treatment methods are welcome.

The above stated applications of the polymer-inorganic composites are only the selected examples. Therefore, the Authors are encouraged to submit their original works related to the applications of the polymer composites filled with inorganic particles in a variety of fields, such as electronics, energy storage, automotive, construction, medicine, additive manufacturing, and others.