Technical Barriers and Innovation Pathways in Sustainable Composites from Recycled Wood and Plastics
A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Circular and Green Sustainable Polymer Science".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 December 2025 | Viewed by 146
Special Issue Editor
Interests: bio-based materials and biopolymers; wood polymer composites; lignocellulosic material volaration; material characterization; wood science and technology
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Recycled and wood-based polymer composites offer a cost-effective and innovative solution aligned with the principles of circular economy and sustainable material development. The growing global interest in utilizing waste plastics and lignocellulosic residues reflects the potential of these materials to reduce environmental burden. However, their development still faces several challenges, including heterogeneity in raw material composition, weak interfacial bonding between the polymer matrix and filler, low mechanical strength, and limited recyclability. In particular, the hydrophilic nature of lignocellulosic fillers and incompatibility with certain thermosetting resins, such as urea-formaldehyde, can lead to moisture sensitivity and phase separation. Recent advances in surface modification, coupling agents, and the use of nanomaterials (e.g., nanocellulose, nanoclay, and nanolignin) have significantly improved matrix–filler compatibility. Techniques like reactive extrusion, in situ polymerization, and hybrid blending further enhance the mechanical and thermal performance of these composites. In addition, increasing regulatory pressures regarding carbon emissions and waste disposal have promoted the valorization of post-industrial wood residues (e.g., sawdust, MDF, chipboard waste) into sustainable raw materials. These developments open new avenues for producing multifunctional wood–polymer composites with fire resistance, water repellency, and antibacterial properties, offering competitive advantages in the building materials sector.
Prof. Dr. Deniz Aydemir
Guest Editor
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Keywords
- recycled polymer composites
- lignocellulosic fillers
- circular economy
- nanomaterials
- wood-based panel innovation
- wood–plastic composites
- recycled lignocellulosic and plastic materials
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