Advances in Polyurethane Synthesis and Applications

Dear Colleagues,

Polyurethanes are a specific class of polymer materials with versatile properties, including thermoplastic, elastomeric, or thermoset behaviors. Their exceptional performance requirements can be achieved by manipulating their chemical structure and composition. These materials have widespread applications in everyday life, such as foams, adhesives, coatings, and paints, thereby playing a significant role in driving the global polymer market.

The development of polyurethanes has evolved over the years, with traditional synthesis relying on toxic and petrochemical-derived isocyanates. Recent advancements, however, focus on more sustainable and eco-friendly synthetic methods, incorporating isocyanate-free, bio-based, and CO₂-derived precursors. A key aspect of current research emphasizes circularity, renewable resources, and application-oriented properties to position polyurethanes as essential materials in addressing both global material and environmental challenges. Notable innovations in the circular economy include the development of polyurethane covalent adaptable networks and vitrimers, which enable the recycling and reuse of the material.

This Special Issue invites high-quality original research and review papers focusing on the diverse aspects of polyurethane materials, including their synthesis, characterization, structure–property relationships, processing, applications, and recycling.

Dr. Dominik Wołosz
Dr. Magdalena Mazurek-Budzyńska
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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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.