Materials and Methods for New Technologies in Polymer Processing

Dear Colleagues,

In the field of polymer processing, new alternative technologies continue to emerge that enable the transformation, combination and functionalization of macromolecules and composite materials. They range from simple variations of traditional processes, such as injection moulding and extrusion, to new and less consolidated techniques, such as electrospinning, laser sintering, additive manufacturing, and microfluidics. The growth in the number and capacity of these techniques is promoted by the continued demand for high performance micro and nanostructured devices. With these techniques, polymeric materials can be processed for new special uses such as film for optoelectronic applications, detection fibers, foams for biomedical use, coatings for surface modification, and solid shapes for a wide variety of uses. Extremely tight dimensional tolerances and precise manipulation of the properties are key aspects of the production of these components. Such a rigorous control requires a systematic examination of the materials and methods used with particular attention to their impact on the geometric and functional characteristics of the products. Some of the current challenges include the development of materials with unusual combinations of properties, greater precision in manipulation, reduced costs and the pursuit of reliable process modelling. Despite the large differences in the machines and the conditions involved in these processing, the product formation is based on the same basic mechanisms. As a consequence, each specific technology could be analyzed in relation to these mechanisms in order to attempt a systematization of the results obtained and to promote future development.

This Special Issue will collect a series of research and review documents that examine “New Technologies in Polymer Processing” from different perspectives, covering materials, machine control, and simulation software with particular attention to the properties of the products obtained. The aim is to represent the state-of-the-art and provide systematic information on process technology, characterization techniques and structure-property relationships. We look forward to receiving contributions dealing with the related research fields. I hope this stimulating initiative will encourage you to participate in the advancement of basic knowledge related to innovative and sustainable processing technologies.

Dr. Andrea Sorrentino
Guest Editor

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