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Physicochemical Properties of Polymer Composites
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Physicochemical Properties of Polymer Composites

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2025 | Viewed by 8261

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Andreea Groza

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
Low Temperature Plasma Laboratory, National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 409 Atomistilor Street, P.O. Box MG 36, Magurele, 077125 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: plasma deposition methods; spectral characterization of deposition plasma; thin films for biomedical applications; biopolymers
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Polymers are seeing more and more applications in everyday life. In particular, the incorporation of polymers into coatings in various percentages, or the use of polymers as matrices for embedding other compounds, contributes to the improvement of material mechanical characteristics. The adding of polymeric films onto material surfaces can lead to their functionalization and the improvement of some targeted properties. The relationship between the wettability, mechanical or corrosion resistance, elasticity, and hardness of layers and chemical as well as physical properties depends on the synthesis method. By combining the chemical synthesis method with laser or plasma deposition techniques, polymer composites with high-performance dedicated properties can be produced.

The present Special Issue aims to highlight the current advances in the incorporation/addition of polymers to various type of materials/coatings via innovative techniques for biomedical and technological applications.

Original research or review articles related to the following topics are welcome:

  • Polymer composites.
  • Material surface functionalization with polymer layers.
  • Chemical/laser/plasma deposition or surface treatment methods.
  • Novel characterization methods of the mechanical and physicochemical properties of polymer composites.
  • Simulation of the processes encountered during the interactions of polymers with composite compounds.

Dr. Andreea Groza
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

  • polymer composites
  • polymer composite layers
  • chemical/laser/plasma deposition/surface treatment methods

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 3198 KiB  
Article
ABS Nanocomposites for Advanced Technical and Biomedical Applications
by Lubomír Lapčík, Martin Vašina, Yousef Murtaja, Harun Sepetcioglu, Barbora Lapčíková, Martin Ovsík, Michal Staněk, İdris Karagöz and Apurva Shahaji Vadanagekar
Polymers 2025, 17(7), 909; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17070909 - 27 Mar 2025
Viewed by 266
Abstract
This study investigated the mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)-based nanocomposites reinforced with different types and concentrations of nanofillers. The uniaxial tensile testing results indicated that Young’s modulus (E) generally decreased with increasing filler content, except at [...] Read more.
This study investigated the mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)-based nanocomposites reinforced with different types and concentrations of nanofillers. The uniaxial tensile testing results indicated that Young’s modulus (E) generally decreased with increasing filler content, except at 0.500 w.% filler concentration, where a slight increase in stiffness was observed. A statistically significant interaction between sample type and filler concentration was identified (p = 0.045). Fracture toughness measurements revealed a significant reduction in impact resistance at 1.000 w.% filler concentration, with values dropping by up to 67% compared with neat acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. Dynamic mechanical vibration testing confirmed a decrease in stiffness, as evidenced by a shift of the first resonance frequency (fR1) to lower values. Hardness measurements including indentation and Shore D hardness exhibited an increasing trend with rising filler concentration, with statistically significant differences observed at specific concentration levels (p < 0.05). Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that nanofillers were well dispersed at lower concentrations, but agglomeration began above 0.500 w.%, resulting in void formation and a noticeable decline in mechanical properties. The results suggest that an optimal filler concentration range of 0.250–0.500 w.% offers an ideal balance between enhanced mechanical properties and material integrity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physicochemical Properties of Polymer Composites)
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12 pages, 20548 KiB  
Article
Surface Activation and Characterization of Basalt Fiber by Plasma Treatment and Its Interfacial Adhesion with Epoxy
by Guowan Guo, Zhongjia Yang, Mingjun Cai, Shuhan Wang and Lei Jiang
Polymers 2024, 16(22), 3181; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16223181 - 15 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 907
Abstract
The weakness of the fiber–matrix interface restricts the practical application of basalt fiber (BF) as a reinforcing material. In order to improve the interfacial adhesion between the BF and epoxy matrix, surface activation of the BF was carried out using low-pressure O2 [...] Read more.
The weakness of the fiber–matrix interface restricts the practical application of basalt fiber (BF) as a reinforcing material. In order to improve the interfacial adhesion between the BF and epoxy matrix, surface activation of the BF was carried out using low-pressure O2 and H2-Ar plasma under various conditions. The interfacial shear strength (IFSS), evaluated by a micro-droplet de-bonding test, was adopted to demonstrate the bonding effects at the BF/epoxy interphase. Compared to bare BF, the IFSS between the modified fibers and epoxy matrix was efficiently improved with an increment of 38.4% and 14.4% for O2 plasma and H2-Ar plasma treatment, respectively. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) analysis indicated that H2-Ar plasma-treated BF had a much rougher and more rugged surface than O2 plasma-treated samples. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and surface energy results revealed that O2 plasma activation could effectively increase the content of oxygenous groups on the BF surface, thus resulting in a higher total surface energy value. Based on the results, O2 plasma modification at a power of 200 W and pressure of 80 Pa for 0.5 min was considered to be the most favorable condition for the surface activation of BF. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physicochemical Properties of Polymer Composites)
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18 pages, 5024 KiB  
Article
Impact of Buriti Oil from Mauritia flexuosa Palm Tree on the Rheological, Thermal, and Mechanical Properties of Linear Low-Density Polyethylene for Improved Sustainability
by Odilon Leite-Barbosa, Marcelo Ferreira Leão de Oliveira, Fernanda Cristina Fernandes Braga, Sergio Neves Monteiro, Marcia Gomes de Oliveira and Valdir Florêncio Veiga-Junior
Polymers 2024, 16(21), 3037; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16213037 - 29 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1057
Abstract
Recent advancements highlight the utilization of vegetable oils as additives in polymeric materials, particularly for replacing conventional plasticizers. Buriti oil (BO), extracted from the Amazon’s Mauritia flexuosa palm tree fruit, boasts an impressive profile of vitamins, minerals, proteins, carotenoids, and tocopherol. This study [...] Read more.
Recent advancements highlight the utilization of vegetable oils as additives in polymeric materials, particularly for replacing conventional plasticizers. Buriti oil (BO), extracted from the Amazon’s Mauritia flexuosa palm tree fruit, boasts an impressive profile of vitamins, minerals, proteins, carotenoids, and tocopherol. This study investigates the impact of incorporating buriti oil as a plasticizer in linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) matrices. The aim of this research was to evaluate how buriti oil, a bioactive compound, influences the thermal and rheological properties of LLDPE. Buriti oil/LLDPE compositions were prepared via melt intercalation techniques, and the resulting materials were characterized through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mechanical property testing, and contact angle measurement. The addition of buriti oil was found to act as a processing aid and plasticizer, enhancing the fluidity of LLDPE polymer chains. TGA revealed distinct thermal stabilities for buriti oil/LLDPE under different degradation conditions. Notably, buriti oil exhibited an initial weight loss temperature of 402 °C, whereas that of LLDPE was 466.4 °C. This indicated a minor reduction in the thermal stability of buriti oil/LLDPE compositions. The thermal stability, as observed through DSC, displayed a nuanced response to the oil’s incorporation, suggesting a complex interaction between the oil and polymer matrix. Detailed mechanical testing indicated a marked increase in tensile strength and elongation at break, especially at optimal concentrations of buriti oil. SEM analysis showcased a more uniform and less brittle microstructure, correlating with the enhanced mechanical properties. Contact angle measurements revealed a notable shift in surface hydrophobicity, indicating a change in the surface chemistry. This study demonstrates that buriti oil can positively influence the processability and thermal properties of LLDPE, thus expanding its potential applications as an effective plasticizer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physicochemical Properties of Polymer Composites)
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19 pages, 4350 KiB  
Article
Magnetic Nanoparticles in Biopolymer Fibers: Fabrication Techniques and Characterization Methods
by Mariana Bianchini Silva, Ulisses Oliveira Costa, Luiz Henrique Capparelli Mattoso, Sergio Neves Monteiro, Michele Lemos de Souza and Letícia Vitorazi
Polymers 2024, 16(19), 2805; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16192805 - 3 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1078
Abstract
Hybrid nanocomposites combining biopolymer fibers incorporated with nanoparticles (NPs) have received increasing attention due to their remarkable characteristics. Inorganic NPs are typically chosen for their properties, such as magnetism and thermal or electrical conductivity, for example. Meanwhile, the biopolymer fiber component is a [...] Read more.
Hybrid nanocomposites combining biopolymer fibers incorporated with nanoparticles (NPs) have received increasing attention due to their remarkable characteristics. Inorganic NPs are typically chosen for their properties, such as magnetism and thermal or electrical conductivity, for example. Meanwhile, the biopolymer fiber component is a backbone, and could act as a support structure for the NPs. This shift towards biopolymers over traditional synthetic polymers is motivated by their sustainability, compatibility with biological systems, non-toxic nature, and natural decomposition. This study employed the solution blow spinning (SBS) method to obtain a nanocomposite comprising poly(vinyl pyrrolidone), PVA, and gelatin biodegradable polymer fibers incorporated with magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles coated with poly(acrylic acid), PAA2k, coded as γ-Fe2O3-NPs-PAA2k. The fiber production process entailed a preliminary investigation to determine suitable solvents, polymer concentrations, and spinning parameters. γ-Fe2O3-NPs were synthesized via chemical co-precipitation as maghemite and coated with PAA2k through the precipitation–redispersion protocol in order to prepare γ-Fe2O3-NPs-PAA2k. Biopolymeric fibers containing coated NPs with sub-micrometer diameters were obtained, with NP concentrations ranging from 1.0 to 1.7% wt. The synthesized NPs underwent characterization via dynamic light scattering, zeta potential analysis, and infrared spectroscopy, while the biopolymer fibers were characterized through scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Overall, this study demonstrates the successful implementation of SBS for producing biopolymeric fibers incorporating iron oxide NPs, where the amalgamation of materials demonstrated superior thermal behavior to the plain polymers. The thorough characterization of the NPs and fibers provided valuable insights into their properties, paving the way for their potential applications in various fields such as biomedical engineering, environmental remediation, and functional materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physicochemical Properties of Polymer Composites)
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16 pages, 2836 KiB  
Article
Does the Addition of Low-Dose Antibiotics Compromise the Mechanical Properties of Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)?
by Valentina Egger, Dietmar Dammerer, Gerald Degenhart, Johannes D. Pallua, Werner Schmölz, Martin Thaler, Klaus-Dieter Kühn, Michael Nogler and David Putzer
Polymers 2024, 16(16), 2378; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16162378 - 22 Aug 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 959
Abstract
The increasing numbers of total joint replacements and related implant-associated infections demand solutions, which can provide a high-dose local delivery of antibiotics. Antibiotic-loaded bone cement (ALBC) is an accepted treatment method for infected joint arthroplasties. The mechanical properties of low-dose gentamicin-loaded bone cement [...] Read more.
The increasing numbers of total joint replacements and related implant-associated infections demand solutions, which can provide a high-dose local delivery of antibiotics. Antibiotic-loaded bone cement (ALBC) is an accepted treatment method for infected joint arthroplasties. The mechanical properties of low-dose gentamicin-loaded bone cement (BC) in medium- and high-viscosity versions were compared to unloaded BC using a vacuum mixing system. As an additional control group, manual mixed unloaded BC was used. In a uniaxial compression test, ultimate compressive strength, compressive yield strength, and compression modulus of elasticity, as well as ultimate and yield strain, were determined according to ISO 5833-2022 guidelines. All groups exceeded the minimum compressive strength (70 MPa) specified in the ISO 5833 guidelines. Both ALBC groups showed a similar ultimate compressive and yield strength to the unloaded BC. The results showed that vacuum mixing increased the compression strength of BC. ALBC showed similar compressive strength to their non-antibiotic counterparts when vacuum mixing was performed. Added low-dose gentamicin acted as a plasticizer on bone cement. From a biomechanical point of view, the usage of gentamicin-based ALBC formulations is viable. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physicochemical Properties of Polymer Composites)
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19 pages, 11045 KiB  
Article
Impact of Different Mineral Reinforcements on HDPE Composites: Effects of Melt Flow Index and Particle Size on Physical and Mechanical Properties
by Pedro Henrique Poubel Mendonça da Silveira, Marceli do Nascimento da Conceição, Davi Nascimento de Pina, Pedro Afonso de Moraes Paes, Sergio Neves Monteiro, Neyda de La Caridad Om Tapanes, Roberto Carlos da Conceição Ribeiro and Daniele Cruz Bastos
Polymers 2024, 16(14), 2063; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16142063 - 19 Jul 2024
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1594
Abstract
The use of mineral reinforcements in polymer matrix composites has emerged as an alternative for sustainable production, reducing waste and enhancing the physical and mechanical properties of these materials. This study investigated the impact of the melt flow index (MFI) of HDPE and [...] Read more.
The use of mineral reinforcements in polymer matrix composites has emerged as an alternative for sustainable production, reducing waste and enhancing the physical and mechanical properties of these materials. This study investigated the impact of the melt flow index (MFI) of HDPE and the particle size of two mineral reinforcements, Bahia Beige (BB) and Rio Grande do Norte Limestone (CRN), on the composites. All composites were processed via extrusion, followed by injection, with the addition of 30 wt.% reinforcement. Chemical analyses revealed similar compositions with high CaO content for both minerals, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) identified predominantly calcite, dolomite, and quartz phases. Variations in the MFI, reinforcement type, and particle size showed a minimal influence on composite properties, supported by robust statistical analyses that found no significant differences between groups. Morphological analysis indicated that composites with lower MFI exhibited less porous structures, whereas larger particles of BB and CRN formed clusters, affecting impact resistance, which was attributed to poor interfacial adhesion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physicochemical Properties of Polymer Composites)
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17 pages, 11557 KiB  
Article
Spectral Analysis of Strontium-Doped Calcium Phosphate/Chitosan Composite Films
by Maria Elena Zarif, Bogdan Bita, Sasa Alexandra Yehia-Alexe, Irina Negut and Andreea Groza
Polymers 2023, 15(21), 4245; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15214245 - 28 Oct 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1474
Abstract
Strontium-doped calcium phosphate/chitosan films were synthetized on silicon substrates using the radio-frequency magnetron sputtering technique and the matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation technique. The deposition conditions associated with the radio-frequency magnetron sputtering discharge, in particular, include the high temperature at the substrate, which promotes [...] Read more.
Strontium-doped calcium phosphate/chitosan films were synthetized on silicon substrates using the radio-frequency magnetron sputtering technique and the matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation technique. The deposition conditions associated with the radio-frequency magnetron sputtering discharge, in particular, include the high temperature at the substrate, which promotes the formation of strontium-doped tetra calcium phosphate layers. The physical and chemical processes associated with the deposition of chitosan on strontium-doped calcium phosphate layers were investigated using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, and Scanning Electron Microscopy. Mass spectrometry coupled with laser induced ablation of the composite films proved to be a useful tool in the detection of the molecular ions characteristic to chitosan chemical structure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physicochemical Properties of Polymer Composites)
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