Dear Colleagues,

It is common knowledge that polymer–matrix composites are currently one of the most important groups of materials, with applications on several engineering applications. Every day, these materials are replacing traditional metallic materials as a consequence of their excellent mechanical properties, including their high specific strength and stiffness, good static and dynamic properties, good resistance to corrosion, adjustable properties, competitive cost, and simplified fabrication.

More recently, nanoparticle-reinforced materials have been widely studied and applied due to their unique surface effects, increased chemical activity, and physical properties. For example, the literature has reported significant improvements in terms of mechanical performance when low concentrations of nanoparticles are added into polymers without compromising their density, toughness or the manufacturing process.

However, it is commonly agreed that polymer-based composites materials are sensitive to the strain rate, and consequently, the design of a structure is too conservative when the static properties are only considered. Even though this aspect for metals is widely studied over a wide range of strain rates, however, open literature is not as abundant for polymer–matrix composites. On the other hand, as a consequence of the inherent viscoelasticity of the matrix phase, polymer composites are prone to creep and stress relaxation, making it a great challenge when they are used in long-term applications. Therefore, a better understanding of the stress–relaxation behavior of composites enables us to predict the dimensional stability of load-bearing structures.

Therefore, this Special Issue of Polymers invites the submission of contributions that address topics related with the viscoelastic behavior of polymer–matrix composites. In this context, any original experimental or simulation work as well as review papers about the strain rate effects, stress relaxation, and/or creep behavior on polymer–matrix composites are welcome. We hope that this Special Issue of Polymers contributes to increasing the knowledge around this subject in order to predict the dimensional stability of load-bearing structures for long-term applications.

Prof. Paulo Nobre Balbis dos Reis
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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• Polymers 
• Polymer-based composites
• Polymer-based nanocomposites 
• Strain rate effect 
• Creep behavior 
• Stress relaxation behavior 
• Experimental test 
• Numerical analysis