Future Trends in Polymer Science: Materials, Design, and Advanced Applications

Abstract submission deadline

30 October 2025

Manuscript submission deadline

31 January 2026

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Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce the Topic Issue “Future Trends in Polymer Science: Materials, Design, and Advanced Applications”, organized in collaboration with the 21st National Symposium POLYMERS 2025. This Topic aims to present the most advanced, cutting-edge research in polymer science and engineering, highlighting its role in driving innovation across diverse scientific fields.

This Topic is focused on a wide range of topics, reflecting the multidisciplinary nature of polymer research. Key focus areas include synthesizing polymers and macromolecular engineering, exploring novel methods and advanced designs for creating innovative polymer systems. The Topic also highlights advancements in biomaterials and nanomedicine, emphasizing the role of polymers in healthcare and biotechnology and hybrids and nanocomposites, presenting their potential for enhanced material properties. Further areas of interest include the processing and recycling of plastics, focusing on sustainable solutions for polymer applications and polymer materials for energy, which explores their contributions to renewable energy technologies. Additionally, contributions in reaction modeling and theoretical approaches aim to provide new insights into polymer behavior and development.

This Topic is dedicated to Professor Ivan Panayotov in recognition of his outstanding contributions to polymer science, his pioneering studies in ionic polymerization, and the 100th anniversary of his birth.

Dr. Emi Haladjova
Prof. Dr. Olya Stoilova
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Applied Nano applnano	-	4.6	2020	14.8 Days	CHF 1000	Submit
Macromol macromol	4.4	7.1	2021	24.1 Days	CHF 1200	Submit
Nanomaterials nanomaterials	4.3	9.2	2010	15.4 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Polymers polymers	4.9	9.7	2009	14 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Gels gels	5.3	7.6	2015	12.5 Days	CHF 2100	Submit

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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All Applied Nano Macromol Nanomaterials Polymers Gels

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Open AccessArticle

Effects of Graphene Quantum Dots on Thermal Properties of Epoxy Using Molecular Dynamics

by Swapnil S. Bamane and Ozgur Keles

Appl. Nano 2025, 6(3), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/applnano6030015 - 20 Aug 2025

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Abstract

Polymer matrix composites (PMCs) are crucial for their applications in aerospace, electronics, defense, and structural materials. PMCs reinforced with nanofillers offer substantial potential for enhanced thermal and mechanical performance. Although there have been significant developments in nanofiller-based high-performance composites involving graphene, carbon nanotubes, [...] Read more.

Polymer matrix composites (PMCs) are crucial for their applications in aerospace, electronics, defense, and structural materials. PMCs reinforced with nanofillers offer substantial potential for enhanced thermal and mechanical performance. Although there have been significant developments in nanofiller-based high-performance composites involving graphene, carbon nanotubes, and metal oxides, the smallest of all the fillers, the graphene quantum dot (GQD), has not been explored thoroughly. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of GQDs on the thermal properties of epoxy nanocomposites using all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Specifically, the influence of GQDs on the glass transition temperature (T_g) and coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CTE) of the bisphenol F epoxy is evaluated. Further, the effects of surface functionalization and edge functionalization of GQDs are analyzed. Results demonstrate that the inclusion of functionalized GQDs leads to a 16% improvement in T_g, attributed to enhanced interfacial interactions and restricted molecular mobility in the epoxy network. MD simulations reveal that functional groups on GQDs form strong physical and chemical interactions with the polymer matrix, effectively altering its dynamics at the T_g. These results provide key molecular-level insights into the design of the next generation of thermally stable epoxy nanocomposites for high-performance applications in aerospace and defense. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Future Trends in Polymer Science: Materials, Design, and Advanced Applications)

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Open AccessArticle

In Vivo Study on 3D-Printed Polylactic Acid Nerve Tubes for Sciatic Nerve Injury Treatment

by Salih Kavuncu, Rauf Hamid and Ömer Faruk Sarıahmetoğlu

Polymers 2025, 17(14), 1992; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17141992 - 21 Jul 2025

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Abstract

Background/Objectives: Nerve injuries cause functional loss and psychosocial issues due to prolonged rehabilitation. Recently, 3D-modeled nerve conduits have been used to aid in surgical planning. This study investigated the impact of 3D-bioprinted PLA, chitosan, alginate, and collagen conduits on nerve regeneration in a [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Nerve injuries cause functional loss and psychosocial issues due to prolonged rehabilitation. Recently, 3D-modeled nerve conduits have been used to aid in surgical planning. This study investigated the impact of 3D-bioprinted PLA, chitosan, alginate, and collagen conduits on nerve regeneration in a rat sciatic nerve crush injury model. Methods: This study, conducted at Kütahya University of Health Sciences, involves 50 rats were divided into four groups: (1) sham-operated controls, (2) sciatic nerve injury without treatment, (3) injury treated with a PLA conduit, and (4) injury treated with 3D-printed tubes composed of chitosan and alginate. The procedures were performed, blood was collected, and the rats were sacrificed after two months. Weekly checks for infection, scar healing, and motor responses were performed. Results: Rats with nerve conduits showed less macroscopic scarring. Weekly assessments of motor nerve recovery showed no movement restrictions in limbs treated with PLA conduits, graft conduits, or conduits bridging retracted nerve stumps, based on responses to stimulus checks. An infection developed in the sciatic nerve and surrounding muscle tissue of one rat with a bio-graft conduit, prompting histopathological examination to investigate its cause. Conclusions: This proof-of-principle study demonstrates the feasibility of using 3D-printed biocompatible nerve conduits for peripheral nerve repair, providing a basis for future, more comprehensive investigations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Future Trends in Polymer Science: Materials, Design, and Advanced Applications)

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