Advances in Rheology, Biodegradability and Mechanical Properties of Polymers

A special issue of Processes (ISSN 2227-9717). This special issue belongs to the section "Materials Processes".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 November 2025 | Viewed by 6704

Special Issue Editors


E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Engineering and Chemistry of Materials, Centro de Investigación en Materiales Avanzados, CIMAV, Chihuahua 31136, México
Interests: rheology; dynamic mechanical analysis; mechanical properties of polymers; biodegradable polymers; hydrolitic degradation; contact angle; polymers injection molding

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Polymer Department, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
Interests: hydrogels; nanocomposites; rheology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,


Due to their diverse properties and applications, polymers play a crucial role in various industries. Understanding and improving polymers’ rheological, biodegradable, and mechanical properties is essential for their efficient and sustainable use. Advances in these areas contribute significantly to developing innovative materials with enhanced performance and reduced environmental impact.

The rheological properties of polymers, which describe their flow and deformation behavior, are fundamental to their processing and application. By obtaining experimental data and employing mathematical modeling, researchers can gain insights into the complex behavior of polymer systems. These studies enable optimizing production processes and technologies, ensuring the creation of materials with desired characteristics.

Biodegradability is another critical aspect, especially in the context of environmental sustainability. Developing polymers that can degrade under natural conditions reduces the ecological footprint of polymer-based products. Research in this area focuses on understanding and enhancing the biodegradability of polymers without compromising their performance.

Mechanical properties, including strength, elasticity, and toughness, determine the applicability of polymers. Advances in this field involve using experimental and theoretical data to tailor polymers to specific requirements. These investigations are crucial for designing durable materials that can withstand mechanical stresses in different environments.

This Special Issue entitled “Advances in Rheology, Biodegradability and Mechanical Properties of Polymers” includes research exploring polymer systems’ properties. It covers a wide range of topics, including but not limited to:

  • Experimental data of rheological properties.
  • Mechanism, enhancement, and acceleration of polymer biodegradability.
  • Optimization of mechanical properties for specific applications.

By addressing these critical aspects, this issue aims to advance the knowledge and application of polymers, promoting the development of materials that are not only high-performing but also environmentally friendly.

We hope you consider participating in this Special Issue.

Dr. Mónica Elvira Mendoza-Duarte
Dr. Bruno Felipe Urbano Cantillana
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 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. Processes is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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 2400 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

  • rheology

  • dynamic mechanical analysis
  • biodegradable polymers
  • biodegradability
  • viscosity
  • soft matter
  • hydrogels
  • nanocomposites

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (4 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

10 pages, 2360 KiB  
Article
Development and Characterization of Long-Acting Injectable Risperidone Microspheres Using Biodegradable Polymers: Formulation Optimization and Release Kinetics
by Young Jin Son, Tae Han Yun, Jeong Gyun Lee, Kyu Ho Bang and Kyeong Soo Kim
Processes 2024, 12(12), 2858; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12122858 - 13 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1244
Abstract
The aim of this study was to develop a long-acting injectable formulation of risperidone using polylactic acid (PLA) or poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer. Risperidone microspheres (RMs) were prepared by creating an O/W emulsion using dichloromethane (DCM) as a [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to develop a long-acting injectable formulation of risperidone using polylactic acid (PLA) or poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer. Risperidone microspheres (RMs) were prepared by creating an O/W emulsion using dichloromethane (DCM) as a solvent and then employing the solvent evaporation method. The RMs were prepared with four different risperidone-to-PLGA ratios (1:1, 1:1.3, 1:2, and 1:3 (w/w)), and each ratio was subjected to the same manufacturing process. The physicochemical properties of the prepared RMs, such as their shape, particle size, drug loading ratio, encapsulation efficiency, and in vitro degradation profile, were evaluated. The particle size of the RMs ranged from 30 to 100 μm, with larger PLGA ratios resulting in larger RM sizes. The drug loading ratio was inversely proportional to the increase in the PLGA ratio in the RMs, and all the formulations showed improved release profiles compared to the reference drug, Risperdal Consta®. The release data modeling results showed that the RM-3 formulation with a 1:1 (w/w) ratio of risperidone and PLGA exhibited a release pattern close to zero-order kinetics. The manufactured RMs were confirmed to have the potential to be used as a long-acting risperidone injection with sustained and stable release as well as an extended dosing interval. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

8 pages, 3387 KiB  
Article
An Investigation into the Creep Characteristics of Nylon Strings Used in Badminton Rackets
by Feng Ji
Processes 2024, 12(12), 2793; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12122793 - 7 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 909
Abstract
In order to improve the hitting performance of badminton rackets, the creep characteristics of their nylon string were explored based on the Maxwell and Kelvin models. Special attention was given to the instantaneous elastic deformation coefficient, the delayed elastic deformation coefficient and the [...] Read more.
In order to improve the hitting performance of badminton rackets, the creep characteristics of their nylon string were explored based on the Maxwell and Kelvin models. Special attention was given to the instantaneous elastic deformation coefficient, the delayed elastic deformation coefficient and the retardation time under different conditions. Based on the experimental results, models with high accuracy were developed for nylon, which can describe the changes in the creep rate at different times, relative humidities and stress levels. They all showed that the creep rate increases rapidly with time and then gradually becomes flat. The highest relative humidity led to the lowest instantaneous elastic deformation coefficient and delayed elastic deformation coefficient, but the highest retardation time for nylon. Finally, as the stress level increased, the instantaneous elastic deformation coefficient, delayed elastic deformation coefficient and retardation time all increased. Thus, to improve the hitting performance of badminton rackets, it is necessary to pay attention to the tension and the air humidity in the environment during use. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 4013 KiB  
Article
Development of Fruit-Based Carbohydrate Gel for Endurance Athletes
by Renata Assis, Ashley Valentim, Isabele Barbosa, Julyana Silva, Andrea Aquino, José Viana, Claisa Rabelo, Paulo Sousa, Carla Maia, Victor Fernandes, Ícaro Vieira and Carlucio Alves
Processes 2024, 12(10), 2304; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12102304 - 21 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1627
Abstract
The aim of this study was to produce a carbohydrate gel based on genipap and banana and analyze its physico-chemical, rheological, and sensory quality, as well as its proximate composition and antioxidant activity. Three gel samples were formulated containing different concentrations of genipap [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to produce a carbohydrate gel based on genipap and banana and analyze its physico-chemical, rheological, and sensory quality, as well as its proximate composition and antioxidant activity. Three gel samples were formulated containing different concentrations of genipap and clarified banana juice. The formulated samples followed the minimum parameters required and were subjected to analyses of their pH, soluble solids, titratable acidity, moisture, ash, lipids, proteins, glucose, fructose, sucrose, polyphenols, antioxidant activity, and rheology. Commercial carbohydrate gel was used as a control sample. It can be concluded that the gel formulations were formulated following the minimum parameters required, with a moderate sensory acceptance. The physico-chemical parameters and proximate composition the developed gels were similar to the commercial gel, while their glucose, sucrose, fructose, polyphenol, and antioxidant activity contents were higher and their rheological properties were within the expected range for this category of commonly marketed products. In the two blocks of analysis mentioned above, data variability was mostly explained by PC1–PC3 at almost 100%. Rheologically, the commercial gel is considered to be a Newtonian fluid, and the developed formulations can be considered as pseudoplastic fluids due to the insoluble solids still present. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Review

Jump to: Research

23 pages, 5063 KiB  
Review
Synthesis, Rheology, Morphology, and Mechanical Properties of Biodegradable PVA-Based Composite Films: A Review on Recent Progress
by Mohammad Mizanur Rahman Khan, Md. Mahamudul Hasan Rumon and Mobinul Islam
Processes 2024, 12(12), 2880; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12122880 - 16 Dec 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1663
Abstract
Biodegradable polymers play an important role in environmental concerns compared to non-biodegradable polymers. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a biodegradable polymer with film-forming properties with antimicrobial and antioxidant activities and are considered for numerous practical applications in the industry, like food packaging, pharmaceuticals, and [...] Read more.
Biodegradable polymers play an important role in environmental concerns compared to non-biodegradable polymers. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a biodegradable polymer with film-forming properties with antimicrobial and antioxidant activities and are considered for numerous practical applications in the industry, like food packaging, pharmaceuticals, and so on. The synthesis of PVA with promising properties like rheology, morphology, and mechanical performance is significant from the application point of view in industrial sectors. It is vital to realize the drawbacks and promising prospects associated with PVA rheology, morphology, and mechanical properties and how to address the problems concerning these properties. The present review describes the contemporary advancement of numerous synthesis approaches of PVA-based composite films and their rheology, morphology, and mechanical properties. This comprehensive review offers a comprehensive discussion of various strategies to enhance the rheology, morphology, and mechanical properties of composite films. It emphasizes modifications using environmentally friendly materials such as nanoparticles, metal oxides, polymers, and others. Additionally, existing challenges and the potential for forthcoming advancements in the properties of such composite films are discussed. The correlation between the PVA-based composite films and their promising properties like rheology, morphology, and mechanical performance may provide a reference for new insights into their applications in industrial sectors. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop