Biobased Polymers and Its Composites

Dear Colleagues,

Biobased polymers, derived from renewable biological resources, offer a sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum-based polymers by reducing the dependence on fossil fuels and minimizing environmental pollution. Polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) demonstrate a range of beneficial properties, including biodegradability under certain conditions, making them particularly attractive for use in packaging industries that currently rely heavily on single-use plastics, which contribute significantly to plastic waste.

Despite these environmental advantages, biobased polymers often encounter limitations in mechanical and other properties in comparison with fossil-based polymers that restrict their broader applications across various industrial sectors. In this context, biobased polymeric composites—combinations of biobased polymers with natural fibers or other biobased reinforcements—emerge as a promising solution to enhance the mechanical and functional performance of biopolymers. Therefore, much of the research efforts in the field are focusing on the new developments in polymer chemistry, processing techniques, and the development of high-performance biocomposites. Additionally, the environmental impact, biodegradability, and recycling potential of these materials are investigated, emphasizing their significant role in advancing sustainable materials science.

This Special Issue on “Biobased Polymers and Its Composites” supposes an opportunity to submit research and review manuscripts associated with biobased polymers from renewable or recycling resources and biobased polymer composites containing fibers or biobased reinforcements. It covers all types of polymeric matrices (thermoplastics and thermosets), fibers (natural fibers, recycled fibers, etc.) and additives (nanocellulose, nanoclays, etc.) that involve novel developments, innovations, and applications in the field of biobased polymeric composites.

Dr. Mercedes Santiago-Calvo
Prof. Dr. Juan Carlos Merino
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.