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Polymers
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Polymer Physics: From Theory to Experimental Applications: 2nd Edition
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Polymer Physics: From Theory to Experimental Applications: 2nd Edition

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 June 2025 | Viewed by 3676

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Célio Pinto Fernandes

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Guest Editor
CEFT-Transport Phenomena Research Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
Interests: numerical simulation; OpenFOAM; CFD; DEM; viscoelasticity; extrusion; injection molding
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Luís Lima Ferrás

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Guest Editor
Center of Mathematics, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
Interests: applied mathematics; fluid mechanics; fractional calculus; numerical analysis; machine learning
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Alexandre M. Afonso

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
CEFT-Transport Phenomena Research Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
Interests: theoretical and computational rheology; complex flows of complex fluids; electrokinetics; multiphase flow; micro-combustion
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Polymer processing techniques are of paramount importance in the manufacture of plastic parts. The main concern is producing parts with the desired quality, which usually refers to mechanical performance, dimensional accuracy, and appearance. To maximize the overall efficiency of polymer processing techniques, new constitutive models and advanced modeling codes are needed along with experimental measurements to simulate, compare, and optimize processes. This is a complex task involving understanding the molecular theory behind such complex deformations, solving the problem numerically for small scales, transferring the molecular theory to a continuum medium, solving the resulting differential equations numerically, performing numerical experiments, and comparing the numerical and experimental results.

Thus, this Special Issue will welcome contributions that develop theories for new rheological constitutive equations and implementation of efficient algorithms to describe polymer physics. In addition, experimental studies for the preparation and characterization of new polymeric materials are also welcomed. Topics include but are not limited to the following:

  • Viscoelastic flow modeling;
  • Molecular simulation;
  • Heat transfer problems;
  • Machine learning techniques;
  • New materials, additives, and fillers;
  • Additive manufacturing and 3D printing;
  • Polymer rheology and mechanical properties.

Dr. Célio Pinto Fernandes
Dr. Luís Lima Ferrás
Dr. Alexandre M. Afonso
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

  • multiphase flows
  • suspensions
  • viscoelasticity
  • heat transfer
  • machine learning
  • additive manufacturing
  • 3D printing
  • polymer rheology and mechanical properties

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 4702 KiB  
Article
Dynamics of Polymeric Re-Entrant Auxetic Structures: Cyclic Compression Studies
by Julian Plewa, Małgorzata Płońska and Grzegorz Junak
Polymers 2025, 17(6), 825; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17060825 - 20 Mar 2025
Viewed by 296
Abstract
The present study investigated the dynamic behavior of structures made of re-entrant unit cells subjected to cyclic compressive loading limited to the elastic range. The structures were assembled from printed polymer re-entrant cells in six combinations. Through the given compression cycles for three [...] Read more.
The present study investigated the dynamic behavior of structures made of re-entrant unit cells subjected to cyclic compressive loading limited to the elastic range. The structures were assembled from printed polymer re-entrant cells in six combinations. Through the given compression cycles for three different amplitude values, strain-force relationships, which had the shape of a hysteresis loop, were obtained. Under compression, all unit cells of the structures deformed uniformly, though only for a certain amount of strain, whereas with larger changes, they underwent uncontrolled deformation. Experiments showed that structures composed of more than one unit cell exhibit different mechanical characteristics. It was observed that the width of the hysteresis loop depended on the degree of closing the structure and on the compression amplitude. The obtained hysteresis curves for different amplitudes also testify to the occurrence of the Mullins effect for these polymeric auxetic structures. Taking into account the maximum values of changes in dimensions for a given compression cycle, Poisson’s ratio values were determined, which were negative and below unity. The effect of strut thickness on the NPR was confirmed, decreasing its negative value along with the increasing thickness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Physics: From Theory to Experimental Applications: 2nd Edition)
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12 pages, 3530 KiB  
Article
Estimation of Synthetic Rubber Lifespan Based on Ozone Accelerated Aging Tests
by Jeongnam Kim, Youngki Kim and Youhee Cho
Polymers 2025, 17(6), 819; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17060819 - 20 Mar 2025
Viewed by 299
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of ozone exposure on the hardness of synthetic rubber specimens (a blend of NR (natural rubber) and CR (chloroprene rubber)) through accelerated aging tests. Using a linear regression model, the research predicts the lifespan of rubber under real-world [...] Read more.
This study investigates the impact of ozone exposure on the hardness of synthetic rubber specimens (a blend of NR (natural rubber) and CR (chloroprene rubber)) through accelerated aging tests. Using a linear regression model, the research predicts the lifespan of rubber under real-world conditions and demonstrates how established experimental methods can yield novel insights when applied to synthetic rubber. The results show that ozone exposure significantly increases hardness within the first 10 days, stabilizing after day 12. Through analysis, this study calculates acceleration factors based on ozone concentration and temperature, estimating the practical lifespan of synthetic rubber under actual conditions to be approximately 25.76 years. These findings provide valuable indicators for evaluating the durability of synthetic rubber materials and predicting the longevity of rubber products in industrial applications. Furthermore, the research emphasizes the potential for improving lifespan prediction accuracy by incorporating non-linear models or machine learning approaches. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Physics: From Theory to Experimental Applications: 2nd Edition)
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15 pages, 3289 KiB  
Article
Thermal Degradation of Glass Fibre-Reinforced Polyamide 6,6 Composites: Investigation by Accelerated Thermal Ageing
by Alessandro Salvi, Francesco Marzullo, Marlena Ostrowska and Giovanni Dotelli
Polymers 2025, 17(4), 509; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17040509 - 16 Feb 2025
Viewed by 911
Abstract
Polyamide-based glass fibre-reinforced composites are extensively used in electrical and automotive applications due to their excellent mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. However, prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to significant degradation, affecting their long-term performance and reliability. This study investigates the thermal [...] Read more.
Polyamide-based glass fibre-reinforced composites are extensively used in electrical and automotive applications due to their excellent mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. However, prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to significant degradation, affecting their long-term performance and reliability. This study investigates the thermal ageing behaviour of polyamide 6,6 composites containing halogenated flame retardants used for electrical applications. The objective of this research is to evaluate the extent of degradation through accelerated ageing tests and to develop an Arrhenius-type ageing model to predict the long-term performance of these materials. This study examines the effects of thermal ageing at temperatures between 160 and 210 °C on flexural properties and explores the underlying degradation mechanisms. Results indicate that short-term exposure to high temperatures can enhance flexural strength due to annealing effects, which are eventually outweighed by thermal oxidation and increased crystallinity, leading to an increase in brittleness. The derived Arrhenius model, with an activation energy of 93 kJ/mol, predicts a service life of approximately 25 years at 80 °C, but a significantly shorter one at 130 °C. These findings underscore the importance of considering thermal ageing effects in the design and application of PA66 composites in high-temperature environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Physics: From Theory to Experimental Applications: 2nd Edition)
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23 pages, 2716 KiB  
Article
Impact of Polymer Physicochemical Features on the Amorphization and Crystallization of Citric Acid in Solid Dispersions
by Seda Arioglu-Tuncil and Lisa J. Mauer
Polymers 2025, 17(3), 310; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17030310 - 24 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1881
Abstract
The amorphization and crystallization of citric acid in the presence of a variety of polymers were investigated. Polymers were chosen for their different physicochemical features, including hygroscopicity, glass transition temperature (Tg), and functional groups capable of forming intermolecular non-covalent interactions with [...] Read more.
The amorphization and crystallization of citric acid in the presence of a variety of polymers were investigated. Polymers were chosen for their different physicochemical features, including hygroscopicity, glass transition temperature (Tg), and functional groups capable of forming intermolecular non-covalent interactions with citric acid. Citric acid solutions with varying amounts of pectin (PEC), guar gum (GG), κ-carrageenan (KG), gelatin (GEL), (hydroxypropyl)methylcellulose (HPMC), and carboxymethylcellulose sodium (CMC-Na) were lyophilized. Dispersions were stored for up to 6 months in controlled temperature and relative humidity environments and periodically monitored using powder X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Moisture sorption isotherms and moisture contents were determined. Amorphous solid dispersions of citric acid were successfully formed in the presence of ≥20% w/w CMC-Na and PEC or ≥30% w/w of the other polymers except KG which required a minimum of 40% polymer. All samples remained amorphous even in their rubbery state at 0% RH (25 °C and 40 °C), but increasing the RH to 32% RH resulted in citric acid crystallization in the KG dispersions, and further increasing to 54% RH resulted in crystallization in all samples. Polymer effectiveness for inhibiting citric acid crystallization was CMC-Na > PEC ≥ GEL > HPMC > GG > KG. To create and maintain amorphous citric acid, polymer traits in order of effectiveness were as follows: greater propensity for intermolecular non-covalent interactions (both ionic and hydrogen bonding) with the citric acid, carbonyl groups, higher Tg, and then lower hygroscopicity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Physics: From Theory to Experimental Applications: 2nd Edition)
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