Applications Based on Symmetry and Asymmetry in Polymer Science
A special issue of Symmetry (ISSN 2073-8994). This special issue belongs to the section "Engineering and Materials".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2026 | Viewed by 130
Special Issue Editors
Interests: polymer nanocomposites; metal-organic frameworks; proton conduction; ion conductors; membrane electrolytes; wastewater remediation; polymer composites; direct lithium extractor; solid-state lithium/sodium ion battery
Interests: materials science and technologies; polymer nanocomposites; polymer blends; polymer processing; nanomagnetic materials; nanomaterials; extrusion, injection molding; water and wastewater treatment; biodiesel; materials characterization; photocatalysis; plastic circular economy; green chemistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
This Special Issue will focus on the latest advancements and emerging trends in polymer science where symmetry and asymmetry are applied as practical design tools to control structure, processing and performance. Symmetry expressed through regular repeat units, stereoregularity, periodic architecture and ordered self-assembly often enables predictable crystallization, phase behavior and reproducible properties. In contrast, asymmetry introduced through sequence gradients, block or graft arrangements, branching, anisotropy, interfacial heterogeneity, or layered and graded structures can unlock directional functions, hierarchical morphologies and multifunctionality that symmetric systems cannot readily achieve. Contributions should examine how balancing symmetry and symmetry breaking enhances mechanical robustness, thermal stability, flame retardancy, barrier performance, transport behavior, optical and electrical responses and long-term durability. Studies covering both conventional and sustainable polymer systems are welcome, including recycled polymers, biomass-derived polymers and green composite concepts using functional additives. The Issue will also address progress in processing and manufacturing technologies such as extrusion, flow-induced alignment, templating and additive manufacturing that control symmetry across length scales while improving material efficiency, processing windows and scalability. Researchers and engineers are invited to submit original research articles and reviews that integrate theory, simulation and advanced characterization of polymer systems with application-driven development across construction, transportation, electronics, coatings, membranes and packaging.
Dr. Jinfeng Zhang
Dr. Antônio Benjamim Mapossa
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. Symmetry 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
- symmetry breaking
- polymer architecture
- self-assembly
- anisotropy and alignment
- chiral polymers
- layered and graded structures
- interfacial engineering
- structure property relationships
- sustainable polymers
- recycled polymers
- advanced processing and additive manufacturing
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