Polyurethane Functionalization and Recycling
A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymer Composites and Nanocomposites".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2026 | Viewed by 36
Special Issue Editor
Interests: polyurethane foam; functionalization; recycling; degradation; aging; bio-based polyols; polyisocyanurate; sustainability
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Polyurethanes (PURs) are among the most versatile polymeric materials, with properties that can be finely tuned through chemical modifications, selection of raw materials, and processing strategies. Their widespread use spans diverse sectors such as transportation, construction, energy, electronics, medicine, furniture, and packaging.
Recent research has highlighted the importance of functionalizing polyurethanes to impart new properties, including self-healing, conductivity, barrier performance, flame retardancy, and biodegradability. At the same time, recycling and reusing polyurethane waste are becoming critical due to environmental concerns and the principles of the circular economy. Bio-based alternatives and sustainable production methods are also gaining attention.
This Special Issue of Polymers invites original research articles and comprehensive reviews addressing the latest advances in polyurethane functionalization, modification, and recycling. Contributions that explore novel synthetic strategies, performance evaluation, and environmentally friendly approaches are particularly welcome.
Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Functional polyurethanes (e.g., conductive, self-healing, barrier materials);
- Novel bio-based polyols and isocyanates for polyurethane synthesis;
- Polyurethane composites with mineral, organic, or nanostructured fillers;
- Tailoring foam morphology and its impact on mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties;
- Flame retardancy, aging resistance, and long-term stability of PUR materials;
- Recycling, reuse, and upcycling of polyurethane waste;
- Sustainable polyurethane production aligned with circular economy principles;
- Studies on degradation mechanisms, biodegradation, and environmental impact;
Applications of functional and recycled polyurethanes in the medicine, transportation, construction, and energy sectors.
Prof. Dr. Joanna Liszkowska
Guest Editor
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
- polyurethane
- polyisocyanurate
- foam
- polyurethane elastomers
- rigid foams
- flexible foams
- polyurethane composites
- functionalization
- recycling
- biodegradation
- thermal properties
- sustainability
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
- Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
- Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
- Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
- External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
- Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.
Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.
