Topic Editors

Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
Department of Engineering, Univerisity of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy

Science and Technology of Polymeric Blends, Composites, and Nanocomposites

Abstract submission deadline
30 July 2027
Manuscript submission deadline
30 November 2027
Viewed by
6952

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

The relationship between processing, structure, and properties is key to the development of advanced polymeric materials with optimized performance. This topic collection invites contributions that explore the design, fabrication, characterization, and application of polymeric materials, blends, composites, and nanocomposites. Special attention will be given to studies proposing innovative, sustainable, and environmentally friendly approaches. Works focusing on advanced processing technologies such as electrospinning, solution blow spinning, 3D printing, and other emerging techniques will also be considered, especially when applied to areas such as pollutant sequestration, sensing, biomedical applications, and the development of sustainable strategies for material recycling. The aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of the art and future perspectives in polymer science and engineering, with a particular focus on sustainability and technological innovation. 

Prof. Dr. Roberto Scaffaro
Dr. Emmanuel Fortunato Gulino
Topic Editors

Keywords

  • polymeric composites
  • sustainable materials
  • nanocomposites
  • green composites
  • polymer blends
  • solution blow spinning
  • electrospinning
  • fused deposition modeling
  • environmental remediation
  • material recycling

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
Journal of Composites Science
jcs
4.6 6.7 2017 13.9 Days CHF 1800 Submit
Materials
materials
3.7 7.0 2008 14.4 Days CHF 2600 Submit
Molecules
molecules
5.1 10.3 1996 15.6 Days CHF 2700 Submit
Nanomaterials
nanomaterials
4.8 10.3 2010 12.5 Days CHF 2400 Submit
Polymers
polymers
5.8 11.0 2009 13.4 Days CHF 2700 Submit
Processes
processes
3.4 5.7 2013 14.7 Days CHF 2400 Submit
Recycling
recycling
5.2 7.5 2016 19.4 Days CHF 1800 Submit

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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43 pages, 3000 KB  
Review
Review: Synthesis of Biomass-Based Silica Gel-Supported Metallic Nanoparticles for Disinfection of Drinking Water
by Belete Tessema, Getahun Tefera and Glen Bright
J. Compos. Sci. 2026, 10(3), 129; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs10030129 - 27 Feb 2026
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1510
Abstract
This review work highlights the eco-friendly synthesis and application of biomass-derived silica gel (SG)-supported metallic nanoparticles (MNPs), primarily focusing on their potential for sustainable drinking water disinfection and utilizing abundant biomass waste, such as agricultural residues, to extract silica through processes like pyrolysis, [...] Read more.
This review work highlights the eco-friendly synthesis and application of biomass-derived silica gel (SG)-supported metallic nanoparticles (MNPs), primarily focusing on their potential for sustainable drinking water disinfection and utilizing abundant biomass waste, such as agricultural residues, to extract silica through processes like pyrolysis, chemical treatment, or hydrothermal methods, creating a versatile support with high surface area, porosity, and biocompatibility. MNPs, notably silver, copper, zinc, etc., are immobilized onto these silica frameworks via green synthesis techniques, including plant extract-mediated methods, chemical reduction, and sol–gel processes, resulting in nanocomposites with controlled size, distribution, and enhanced stability. These MNPs are known for their potent antimicrobial activity, capable of inactivating a broad spectrum of pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Silica gel supports mitigating issues such as nanoparticle aggregation and leaching, thus improving reusability and environmental safety. The synthesis parameters of nanoparticle size, concentration, surface chemistry, and contact time directly influence disinfection efficacy, while biomass-based supports offer advantages including cost-effectiveness, environmentally benign production, and minimal pollution. Incorporating biomass-derived silica gel-supported AgNPs into water treatment systems presents a promising, sustainable alternative to conventional chemical methods like chlorination and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, which can generate hazardous byproducts. These nanocomposites demonstrate significant potential in resource-limited settings due to their high surface area, porosity, and reusability, although concerns such as nanoparticle leaching, toxicity, scalability, and environmental impact warrant further investigation. Overall, biomass-supported MNPs represent an innovative frontier in water purification technology, aligning with principles of green chemistry and sustainability. Emphasizing the importance of optimizing synthesis protocols and assessing long-term safety, this review underscores their capacity to advance eco-friendly water disinfection strategies that can improve public health and promote sustainable water management practices worldwide. Full article
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22 pages, 4853 KB  
Article
Tuning Magnetic Anisotropy and Spin Relaxation in CoFe2O4–MWCNT Nanocomposites via Interfacial Exchange Coupling
by Prashant Kumar, Jiten Yadav, Arjun Singh, Sumit Kumar, Rajni Verma and Saurabh Pathak
J. Compos. Sci. 2026, 10(2), 90; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs10020090 - 9 Feb 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1510
Abstract
Interfacial coupling between CoFe2O4 (CFO) nanoparticles and oxidatively functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) enables controlled modulation of structural, optical, and spin dynamic properties in CFO–MWCNT nanocomposites. The solvothermal synthesis promotes nucleation of CFO on –COOH/–OH functional groups, ensuring uniform anchoring [...] Read more.
Interfacial coupling between CoFe2O4 (CFO) nanoparticles and oxidatively functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) enables controlled modulation of structural, optical, and spin dynamic properties in CFO–MWCNT nanocomposites. The solvothermal synthesis promotes nucleation of CFO on –COOH/–OH functional groups, ensuring uniform anchoring along the nanotube surface. X-ray diffraction confirms a cubic spinel phase with lattice expansion from 8.385 Å to 8.410 Å and crystallite growth from 18 nm to 25 nm, reflecting strain transfer and partial nanoparticle coalescence at the carbon interface. The observed bandgap narrowing from 2.72 eV to 2.50 eV, confirmed via Tauc plot analysis, is attributed to localized defect states induced by charge delocalization and orbital hybridization at the interface of the CFO–MWCNT boundary. DC magnetometry reveals a reduction in saturation magnetization from 46 emu/g to 35 emu/g due to diamagnetic dilution and interfacial spin canting, while coercivity decreases from 852 Oe to 841 Oe, indicating modified pinning and domain-wall dynamics associated with exchange-coupled interfaces. Ferromagnetic resonance measurements show a resonance field shift from 3495 G to 3500 G and an increase in the Landé g-factor from 1.97 to 2.00, signifying altered spin–orbit coupling and enhanced local magnetic perturbations. The spin–lattice relaxation time increases from 1.41 ns to 1.59 ns, demonstrating suppressed phonon-mediated relaxation and improved spin coherence across the hybrid network. Spin density rises from 3.72 × 1022 to 4.58 × 1022 spins/g, confirming an increase in unpaired electrons generated by orbital asymmetry at the interface. The anisotropy field and effective magnetocrystalline anisotropy constant exhibit pronounced modulation, evidencing strengthened exchange stiffness and altered Co2+/Fe3+ superexchange pathways. These results establish CFO-MWCNT nanocomposites as tuneable platforms for spintronic logic elements, high-frequency microwave attenuation, and magneto-optical device architectures. Full article
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19 pages, 3699 KB  
Article
Study of a Polymer Composite with Carbon Nanotubes and a Mixed Filler Using a Composite Piezoelectric Oscillator at a Frequency of 100 kHz
by Vladimir V. Kaminskii, Alexandr V. Shchegolkov, Dmitrii A. Kalganov, Dmitrii I. Panov, Maksim V. Dorogov and Aleksei V. Shchegolkov
J. Compos. Sci. 2026, 10(2), 87; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs10020087 - 6 Feb 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 677
Abstract
This article presents an investigation of the thermomechanical properties of silicone elastomer-based polymer composites modified with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and mixed fillers (CNTs, bronze, graphite). The primary technique employed was the composite piezoelectric oscillator (CPO) method at approximately 100 kHz. This approach enabled [...] Read more.
This article presents an investigation of the thermomechanical properties of silicone elastomer-based polymer composites modified with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and mixed fillers (CNTs, bronze, graphite). The primary technique employed was the composite piezoelectric oscillator (CPO) method at approximately 100 kHz. This approach enabled precise measurements of the polymers’ forced oscillation frequency and logarithmic damping decrement (internal friction) across a wide temperature range (80–300 K). The application of this method is novel for this specific class of materials. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the uniform distribution of the fillers within the polymer matrix. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed that the fillers modify the thermal stability of the composite. The systematic decrease in the enthalpy of the endothermic decomposition peak suggests a retardation of degradation kinetics, most likely due to a barrier effect of the filler network. Electrical measurements revealed a distinct contrast: the hybrid composite exhibited a frequency-independent conductivity plateau (~1.8 × 10−1 S/m), confirming a robust percolating network, unlike the strong frequency dependence observed for the CNT-only composite. Research shows that the fillers effectively suppress relaxation processes linked to crystallization (205–215 K) and glass transition (165–170 K), as evidenced by a significant reduction in the amplitude of the corresponding internal friction peaks. The most pronounced effect was observed in the composite with mixed fillers, attributable to a synergistic effect between constituents. Furthermore, amplitude-dependent internal friction was found to occur predominantly below the glass transition temperature. The primary objective of the present study is to investigate the dynamic mechanical and damping behavior of CNT-filled silicone composites with mixed fillers under high-frequency loading, using the CPO method. These findings demonstrate the potential for tailoring the stiffness and damping characteristics of these composites for advanced applications in soft robotics and portable electronics. Full article
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26 pages, 4087 KB  
Review
Oxime Esters as Efficient Initiators in Photopolymerization Processes
by Monika Dzwonkowska-Zarzycka, Alicja Balcerak-Woźniak and Janina Kabatc-Borcz
Molecules 2026, 31(1), 187; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31010187 - 4 Jan 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1614
Abstract
The development of new photoinitiators for photocurable systems has gained increasing interest in response to regulatory and environmental requirements, including efficient absorption in the UV/Vis range and reduced toxicity. Among emerging light-sensitive compounds, oxime esters have attracted growing attention as efficient radical photoinitiators. [...] Read more.
The development of new photoinitiators for photocurable systems has gained increasing interest in response to regulatory and environmental requirements, including efficient absorption in the UV/Vis range and reduced toxicity. Among emerging light-sensitive compounds, oxime esters have attracted growing attention as efficient radical photoinitiators. In this paper, five series of oxime esters based on carbazole, coumarin, carbazole–coumarin, phenothiazine, and triphenylamine scaffolds were described. Their high performance in photopolymerization processes was presented, demonstrating their ability to act as both type I and type II photoinitiators, as confirmed by high monomer conversion degrees. These data highlight oxime esters as versatile photoinitiating systems and provide a basis for further structural optimization aimed at improving water solubility and enabling comprehensive cytotoxicity assessment. Full article
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