Chemical and Mechano-Chemical Modification of Polymers and Organic Materials

Dear Colleagues,

The chemical modification of polymers is a convenient and versatile way to tune their properties, in terms of thermomechanical response, chain arrangement, solubility, and miscibility, with other materials surface properties. Examples of chemical modifications are the introduction of new functional groups, the formation of copolymers, chain extension, and removal of crosslinks. Notably, chemical modification is the main route to tuning properties of natural polymeric materials, such as cellulose, starch, etc.

Mechanochemical treatments are emerging as versatile and green methods for the chemical and structural modification of polymers and organic materials: mechanical energy can, in fact, be exploited to efficiently promote chemical reactions (synthesis, functionalization, depolymerization, devulcanization of rubbers, grafting and copolymer formation in polymer mixtures), but also morphological/structural changes (amorphization, destructuration of complex multiphase materials, increase in surface area in porous structures, fine dispersion of nanoparticles in polymers). The reduced need for chemicals and solvents and the low-temperature operation further increase the attractiveness of mechanochemistry for the development of environmentally sustainable processing and production routes.

The possible applications of new chemical and mechanochemical methods for polymer modifications include sustainable synthetic routes for the production of chemicals; enhanced processing of complex polymers and mixtures, enabling recycling; conversion of natural products and byproducts into useful materials; and realization of micro/nanostructured materials.

Within this frame, we are pleased to launch a Special Issue on this topic, welcoming research papers and reviews focusing on chemical and mechanochemical modification strategies and processes for polymeric and organic materials, of both synthetic and natural origin. The aim is to define the state of the art of such methods and to provide a comprehensive reference basis.

Dr. Roberto Avolio
Dr. Rachele Castaldo
Guest Editors

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