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Polymers
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Polymers and Functional Additives in Construction Materials
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Polymers and Functional Additives in Construction Materials

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2026 | Viewed by 2016

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Xiaobin Han

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Electric Power, Civil Engineering and Architecture, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030000, China
Interests: polymer-modified asphalt; rejuvenation of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP); performance evaluation and characterization of asphalt material; aging and anti-aging of asphalt material
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Ruiyang Wang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Materials Science and Engineering, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710061, China
Interests: polymer modified concrete; application of ion chelating agents in cement materials; evaluation of self-healing and durability of cement materials
Dr. Zhilong Cao

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Road and Railway Engineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
Interests: low-carbon road construction and maintenance materials and technologies; green and smart pavement materials; long-life and high-value recycling of asphalt pavements
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue focuses on the innovative application and research of polymers and functional additives in construction materials. As modern architecture places increasing demands on performance and sustainability, enhancing the mechanical properties, durability, and multifunctionality of traditional building materials through polymeric materials and functional additives has become a vital direction for the industry. This Special Issue aims to compile the latest scientific achievements and technological advancements in the field. These developments not only significantly improve the adaptability and service life of construction materials in diverse environments, but also provide effective solutions for promoting green buildings and reducing life-cycle maintenance costs. We hope that this Special Issue will serve as a platform for an in-depth exchange between academia and industry, fostering the innovative development of construction materials toward high performance, multifunctionality, and environmental friendliness.

Dr. Xiaobin Han
Dr. Ruiyang Wang
Dr. Zhilong Cao
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.

Keywords

  • polymer aging and regeneration
  • polymer modified asphalt
  • green and smart pavement materials
  • long-life and high-value recycling of asphalt pavements
  • application of ion chelating agents in cement materials
  • evaluation of self-healing and durability of cement materials
  • regenerative utilization of solid waste in road engineering
  • evaluation and improvement of road surface function

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

20 pages, 4230 KB  
Article
Effect of Emulsifier Type on the Properties of SBR-Modified Cement-Based Materials
by Anhua Xu, Laifa Wang, Suining Zheng, Huiting Jia, Xinyan Wang, Yindong Xu and Huaxin Chen
Polymers 2026, 18(9), 1128; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18091128 - 3 May 2026
Viewed by 892
Abstract
Styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) is a commonly used polymer modifier that can improve the mechanical properties and durability of cement mortar. However, the effects of different emulsifier types on cement hydration behavior and structural evolution still need to be systematically studied. To clarify [...] Read more.
Styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) is a commonly used polymer modifier that can improve the mechanical properties and durability of cement mortar. However, the effects of different emulsifier types on cement hydration behavior and structural evolution still need to be systematically studied. To clarify the differences among anionic, cationic, and nonionic SBR emulsions on mortar performance, three types of SBR emulsion were selected in this study. Setting time, chemically bound water, mechanical properties, chloride ion diffusion, freeze–thaw cycles, and microstructure were tested to evaluate the effects of different types and dosages on cement mortar. The results show that all three types of SBR emulsion prolong the setting time of cement paste and reduce the early hydration degree. The cationic SBR emulsion shows a more obvious effect. At 28 d, the compressive strength of mortar with 10% cationic SBR emulsion increases from 38.5 MPa to 41.2 MPa, and the flexural strength also increases. In terms of impermeability, the chloride ion diffusion coefficient decreases from 7.47 × 10−12 m2/s to 5.12 × 10−12 m2/s after adding 10% cationic SBR emulsion. After 100 freeze–thaw cycles, the compressive strength loss of ordinary mortar is 16%, while it decreases to 7.2% with 15% cationic SBR emulsion, and the mass loss is also reduced. Microstructural analysis shows that the modified mortar has a denser internal structure, improved interfacial continuity, and reduced crack development after freeze–thaw cycles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers and Functional Additives in Construction Materials)
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24 pages, 2689 KB  
Article
Technology and Rheological Properties of Warm Asphalt Rubber Based on an Ultra-Warm Mix Additive (UWM)–Sasobit Composite System
by Song Xu, Longxiang Zhao, Shishui Liulin, Xiangjie Niu, Xiaojuan Jia and Hui Cai
Polymers 2026, 18(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18010007 - 19 Dec 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 620
Abstract
To address the challenges of decarbonization in the global transportation sector and disposal of waste tires, warm asphalt rubber (WAR) with low viscosity and high performance was prepared. In particular, the preparation and rheological behavior of WAR incorporating composite warm mix systems at [...] Read more.
To address the challenges of decarbonization in the global transportation sector and disposal of waste tires, warm asphalt rubber (WAR) with low viscosity and high performance was prepared. In particular, the preparation and rheological behavior of WAR incorporating composite warm mix systems at relatively high crumb rubber contents have not been thoroughly documented. In this study, WAR prepared under such conditions was systematically examined. A five-factor, three-level segmented orthogonal experimental design (OED) was employed to investigate the effects of preparation parameters on hot mix asphalt rubber (AR) properties. Based on the optimized AR formulation, a composite warm mix system combining Ultra-Warm Mix additive (UWM) and Sasobit was developed, and control groups containing 5% UWM only and 1.5% Sasobit only were prepared for comparison. Conventional physical tests together with rheological characterization, including Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR), Multiple Stress Creep Recovery (MSCR), and Bending Beam Rheometer (BBR) tests, were conducted to evaluate the high- and low-temperature performance of WAR. Results show that the optimal preparation process consisted of aromatic oil content 5%, crumb rubber content 30%, shear temperature 220 °C, shear time 120 min, and reaction time 90 min. The composite warm mix system notably enhanced WAR performance, with the WAR-5U1.5S group exhibiting the most balanced properties. A marked reduction in rotational viscosity was achieved while maintaining a stable softening point, and satisfactory ductility and elastic recovery were also retained. DSR and MSCR tests confirmed improved high-temperature deformation resistance, an increase in percent recovery R, and a decrease in non-recoverable creep compliance Jnr. BBR test further verified that the composite system maintained good low-temperature cracking resistance, meeting all specification requirements. Overall, these results indicate that, compared with the optimized AR, WAR can reduce mixing viscosity without sacrificing rutting or cracking performance, while alleviating the limitations observed for single warm mix additives. This study provides essential technical support for promoting WAR that integrates low-carbon construction with superior pavement performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers and Functional Additives in Construction Materials)
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