Sustainable Polymer Composites and Nanocomposites

Dear Colleagues,

Polymers play an increasingly important role in many new applications, be they nuclear, medical, or ecological (degradation of waste pollutants). The incorporation of a filler into a micro size range within the composite material leads to the enhancement of composite properties. Chemical and intermolecular forces render the bond between the polymer and the matrix. However, on the nanoscale, a nanofiller can be dispersed within the polymer matrix. Thus, the molecular interactions between the matrix and the filler are improved via chemical bonding, leading to further enhancements in the mechanical and physical properties, as well as the ionizing radiation shielding properties of the new polymer nanocomposites. Nanofillers are characterized by a high surface-to-volume ratio that affects the alteration of the macromolecular state around the nanoparticles. The addition of nanofillers enhances the characteristics of the polymer by increasing elastic stiffness, strength, heat resistance, and barrier resistance and decreasing gas permeability and flammability.

The aim of the current issue is to publish high quality articles. We will accept either review articles or articles presenting new materials in more depth. The processed articles in the present issue should focus on novel polymetric and rubber materials used for different fields of application such as radiation protection, medicine, science, the nuclear industry, electronics, and waste treatment.

Submissions covering the following topics are welcome:

• Synthesis of new monomers and polymers;
• Polymer various applications;
• Nanomaterials;
• Optical properties;
• Polymer characterization;
• Mechanical properties;
• Films and coatings;
• Shielding composites for gamma/X-rays/neutrons;
• Heat resistance.

Dr. Karem Mahmoud
Dr. Mohamed Hanfi
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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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. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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